Birmingham prevail in race to sign Dugarry

The former French World Cup striker Christophe Dugarry is likely to become one of the first signings after today's opening of the transfer window by joining Birmingham City.

The 30-year-old, who has not scored in 12 appearances for the French club Bordeaux this season, sparking suggestions that he is past his prime, is expected to arrive tomorrow to finalise terms on a contract that could earn him £4m over the next two-and-a-half seasons.

Dugarry, who played for France's World Cup and European Championship winning sides in 1998 and 2000, will join on a free transfer after Birmingham beat off competition from Tottenham and Manchester City.

Dugarry, who has retired from international football, began his career at Bordeaux and has also played for Milan, Barcelona and Marseilles before returning to Bordeaux in January 2000. His deal is to be based on an initial six-month contract, with a two-year option if he helps the St Andrew's club stay in the Premiership. Steve Bruce, the Birmingham manager, is also closing in a deal to secure Juanfran, Celta Vigo's unsettled Spanish international left-back.

Bruce has been forced to bring in reinforcements because of a long injury list and he has the backing of the club's co-owner, David Sullivan.

"All I can say is that a million phone calls are going out and we're trying to get players in," Sullivan said. "We've got bids out to Premiership clubs and are waiting for them to come back to us – and we're not just talking about loans. We're trying to buy permanently. This shows how serious we are, because it will probably come to a situation that, if we do get who we want and then everyone gets fit, we'll be loaded up with a whole lot of players and a massive, massive wage bill."

The Everton manager David Moyes could complete the signing of Brian McBride, the United States World Cup striker, in the next 24 hours after agreeing a deal with America's Major League Soccer for his signature. McBride, who would need a work permit, is expected to move on a loan deal from Columbus Crew until the end of the season.

The opening of the transfer window for the first time is not expected to produce a rush of big-money moves. For the past four months, the merry-go-round in the Premiership has been stilled, but the harsh economic climate all clubs are weathering has left few with bundles of spare cash.

Gérard Houllier, the Liverpool manager, has ruled out any involvement on his part in the transfer market. He does not intend to draft anyone in or off-load any players in January.

"I've no intention of signing anyone because I trust my staff and I trust my players," he said. "We have the squad to achieve success. We have been going through a period of progress practically every year."

Houllier has, however, allowed his 19-year-old Finnish striker Daniel Sjolund to join the Swedish double winners Djurgarden on loan.

Graeme Souness added his voice yesterday to the growing clamour among Premiership managers for a midwinter break. The Blackburn Rovers manager echoed his Manchester United counterpart, Sir Alex Ferguson, who in recent days warned that "England will never win the World Cup without one". The Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, has also issued a similar call.

Souness blamed the punishing festive fixture schedule for the poor quality of football in Rovers' last game against West Ham and for contributing to hamstring injuries for two key players, the Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff and the defender Craig Short.

"Without doubt, I support the idea of a winter break," said Souness. "I know it's a tradition but I think if you were to have a break and extend the season it would be beneficial for players. It would certainly help recharge the batteries."