....... and Swierczewski makes five? six? seven?

Steve Bruce hasn't just been waiting for the transfer window to open, he was positively standing there with his nose pressed up against it looking longingly at all the goodies on offer outside.

Earlier today Bruce hinted that Poland captain Piotr Swierczewski would be his fifth signing in quick succession since the transfer window opened on January 1.

Late this evening Marseille were claiming the loan deal with an option to buy if Blues stay up as a 'completed' which should please Alain Perrin who has been wanting to move several players off the wage bill to enable his own team rebuilding.

Piotr is expected to fly back to Birmingham on Monday to complete a medical

Swierczewski had been training with Blues for several days and Bruce said: "Piotr has been with us for a week, has done very well and we are close to possibly doing a short-term deal for him until the end of the season. Then we'll review the whole situation.

The player has won 68 caps for his country and has created a good impression during his time at Wast Hills training ground.

"Over the last week he has done remarkably well. He's captain of his country, has a good pedigree and would be a good addition."

Also due back in Birmingham on Monday is Robert Vittek who seems certain to be Blues' sixth January signing if he impresses during a full training session as much as he has 'indoors'.

So who wil be number seven? Reports from London still indicate that Matthew Upson is at loggerheads with Arsen Wenger over his long term future. Upson wants regular first team football, whilst Wenger wants to rebuild his ageing defence around him and Sol Campbell ........... in the future.

Upson is the one addition Bruce covets most, but surely won't want to wait much longer for a decision.