Obafemi Martins joins Blues on loan

Birmingham have brought striker Obafemi Martins back to the Premier League on a six-month loan - fighting off alleged late interest from Albion.

Martins apparently chose Blues over the Baggies for a move until the end of the season from Russian club Rubin Kazan.

The 26-year-old Nigeria international, who has also enjoyed spells with Inter Milan and Wolfsburg, spent three years at Newcastle, scoring 39 goals in 105 games.

And his agent Nicolas Walter insists Albion also made their move but were ultimately rebuffed for Blues.

He said: "A few things separated the interested parties but we are confident the right choice was made.

"Everything concerning the paperwork should be sorted in a couple of days."

Martins could now feature in the Carling Cup final, which sees Birmingham take on Arsenal on Sunday February 27.