Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao has joined Birmingham on loan for the rest of the season.

The 27-year-old joined Liverpool from French club Sedan, but has rarely demonstrated the form which persuaded Gerard Houllier to part £5m in the wake of a series of impressive displays for Senegal in the 2002 World Cup finals.

The arrival of the defensive midfielder is expected to result in Robbie Savage leaving for Blackburn.

Savage, who has handed in a written transfer request, was expected to join Blackburn on Tuesday.