BIRMINGHAM City made their third signing of the week yesterday with the trio all pushing for inclusion against Blackburn Rovers.

Kerim Frei joined Gianfranco Zola’s men from Besiktas and could make his debut against Rovers should he receive international clearance in time.

The 23-year-old left winger joined the Blues on a three-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Turkish top flight side Besiktas spent a reported £3million on Frei to sign him in 2013 having spent three years with Fulham, playing 33 times for the Cottagers.

In all, Frei played 83 appearances and score seven goals for the Turkish giants, including nine appearances so far this campaign.

He will help fill the void left by Jacques Maghoma who is currently away on African Cup of Nations duty with DR Congo, and will challenge David Cotterill and Che Adams for a starting spot against Rovers.

Zola, who is yet to see his side win in his seven games in charge, was pleased to land his man.

“He is that type of player that can make things happen from nothing,” he told Birmingham’s official website.

“He has got talent, he is fast and quick and can counter but also has the ability to take players on in small areas.

“He is exactly the type of player we need for the football we are trying to produce.”

Frei is the fifth new signing since the transfer window re-opened, and third this week, following on from full-backs Emilio Nsue and Cheick Keita.

All three could make their debuts against Rovers as Zola, while Craig Gardner, who arrived on loan from West Brom earlier in the window, is expected to make his first start of his second spell with the club after coming off the bench in last weekend’s draw with Nottingham Forest.

Lukas Jutkiewicz made his loan move permanent from Burney when the window re-opened, and will be looking to score his 10th goal of the season on his return to East Lancashire.

Reacting to the news on social media, Frei wrote: “Can’t wait to get going with my new team mates. Thanks to the people who made it all possible.”