Birmingham miss out on Ghaly but secure Ridgewell
Steve Bruce is looking to improve his squad before the season begins
Friday, 03, Aug 2007 05:55
Birmingham have pulled out of a deal to sign Hossam Ghaly from Tottenham.
A deal had been agreed between the clubs to bring the Egyptian midfielder to St Andrews for £3 million on a three-year contract.
A statement from Tottenham said "We can confirm that Hossam Ghaly has decided not to proceed with his transfer to Birmingham City."
Similarly a statement from Birmingham claimed "We can confirm we will not be proceeding with the transfer of Hossam Ghaly from Tottenham."
The midlands club would not confirm any other details apart from the fact that they had pulled out of the transfer for 'footballing reasons'.
Ghaly has been at Tottenham since January 2006 when he signed from Dutch side Feyenoord on the transfer deadline day.
He has made 34 appearances for the White Hart Lane team, scoring three goals.
Birmingham earlier today signed Fulham defender Frank Queuedrue, 28 and Aston Villa centre-back Liam Ridgewell, 23, for £4.5m as manager Steve Bruce attempts to boost his squad before the season start on 11 August.
Ridgewell became the first player in the last decade to make the switch from local rivals Villa to Birmingham.