Hughton lands sixth free signing in Spector

SOCCER:JONATHAN SPECTOR has become Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton's sixth free transfer signing of the summer.

The 25-year-old versatile defender-cum-midfielder arrives at St Andrew’s having been released by fellow relegated side West Ham at the end of last season.

Spector, a US international who has spent the past five years at Upton Park following a move from Manchester United, underwent a medical at Birmingham on Monday before putting the finishing touches to a two-year contract yesterday, adding much-needed depth to Hughton’s new-look side in the English Championship, which starts this weekend.

Birmingham begin their season away to Derby County , while West Ham – joint favourites along with Leicester City to be promoted to the Premier League – face a tough first game in the Championship, with the visit of Cardiff City.

While Leicester boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed his interest in signing in-demand Reading striker Shane Long, he’s also admitted the club are tracking North Korea’s Jong Tae-se.

The forward, who plays for German side Bochum, featured in the World Cup in South Africa. “It is true,” said Eriksson when asked about the Korean. “We are trying and have been for the last few weeks.

“I saw him in the World Cup (in South Africa when Eriksson was Ivory Coast manager) and before the World Cup. He is a good player. If it is going to be possible or not I am not sure, but we have been working with it.”

Middlesbrough have signed goalkeeper Carl Ikeme from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a 28-day emergency loan.

The 25-year-old played in Friday’s 3-2 friendly defeat by PSV Eindhoven and will add cover in the absence of the injured Jason Steele.

The arrival of Dorus De Vries from Swansea, added to the presence of Wayne Hennessey, means first-team opportunities are limited at Molineux.

Boro also have goalkeepers Danny Coyne and Connor Ripley available for selection.

Ikeme spent time on loan at Leicester last season and has also had temporary spells with QPR, Sheffield United and Charlton.

His opportunities at Molineux have been stalled by a string of injuries including a hip problem, limiting the stopper to just 16 appearances in eight years.

Peterborough United have failed to agree terms with winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, despite having a bid accepted by Wolves.

The 19-year-old spent the whole of last season on loan at London Road, scoring five times.