Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner

Craig Gardner has left Aston Villa for their rivals Birmingham City.

Birmingham have confirmed the signing of the Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner for a fee thought to be around £3m.

Gardner, a former England Under-21 international who has supported Birmingham City since he was a boy, will join the St Andrew's club subject to completing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

The 23-year-old, who can also play at full-back, has been at Aston Villa since he was a trainee and has made 79 appearances for the club.

His first-team opportunities have been limited to one appearance each in the Premier League, Europa League and Carling Cup this season, persuading the player to join Alex McLeish's squad.

"Craig is a versatile and dynamic player who can perform in a number of positions. Players like that are really worth their weight in gold,"