Brum beat 'pool for whizkid

Birmingham have beaten Liverpool and Aston Villa to the signing of 15-year-old starlet Jordan Mutch from Derby County.

Mutch, 15, was denied a Carling Cup debut last night due to FA regulations and Westley revealed: "It was a contentious one to go and get him but he informed Derby that he would not be staying beyond the end of last season and everything was done above board, there was no illegal approach, and we agreed a compensation package with them.

"He decided his future would be better served here and Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Villa were all in for him.

"To tell them he was leaving was a big thing to do, but he was adamant, and that shows you just how mentally strong he is."