Birmingham City will announce the signing of Arsenal defender Matthew Upson at a press conference this afternoon, reports claim.

Leeds United were believed to have joined the race to land the former England Under-21 player, but Blues manager Steve Bruce, who was rebuffed by Upson last week, has finally got his man.

Upson was hailed as the eventual successor to Highbury legend Tony Adams when he first arrived at Arsenal five years ago. However, injuries and the signing of experienced defenders including Sol Campbell and Pascal Cygan, have restricted Upson’s chances.

He went on loan to first dvision club Reading earlier in the season in order to play some competitivegames. But was unable to cement a place in the Arsenal starting eleven on his return.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had previously stated that he wanted Upson to remain in London to fight for his place, but the lure of first team guaranteed Premiership football, has proved too much in the end.

Whether this deal could indirectly affect the bid from Newcastle for Leeds’ Johnathan Woodgate, remains to be seen.