Birmingham City have announced the capture of former Middlesbrough centre back Dael Fry, who was a free agent, having left Teeside at the end of last season.
Despite a somewhat underwhelming return to the second tier last season, Birmingham City have continued to show ambition in the transfer market.
Now, seemingly out of nowhere, the Blues have secured the signing of a top Championship defender, ahead of next season.
The West Midlands outfit have announced the signing of 28 year-old centre back Dael Fry, subject to EFL and FA approval.
Fry, a product of Middlesbrough's youth systems, made almost 300 appearances for the club, but has now signed a three year contract at St Andrews ahead of the new season.
In their statement, Birmingham City highlighted that they had "fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure his signature following his departure from Middlesbrough".
The 6'4" centre back has been a mainstay for Middlesbrough since debuting at the age of 17 and did feature for England's youth ranks, though he never quite achieved his full potential.
Still, the signing of a key player from one of their Championship rivals should be seen as a significant boost for Birmingham, as they look to put together a promotion push this season, after failing to do so last campaign.
With West Ham, Burnley and Wolves relegated from the Premier League last campaign, this season's promotion battle is set to be one of the hardest fought for a long time, and it seems that Birmingham City are doing all they can to avoid being left behind.
