Bruce Makes Second Kapo Swoop

Olivier Kapo is close to being reunited with his former manager Steve Bruce after Wigan Athletic agreed a £3.5m fee with Birmingham City for the French international forward.

Kapo underwent a medical at the JJB Stadium yesterday and, despite suggestions last night that the deal had broken down, is poised to become the club's second signing of the summer following the capture of the winger Daniel De Ridder, also from Birmingham, on a free transfer.

Bruce spent £3m to take Kapo to St Andrew's before the start of last season and his successor at the Midlands club, Alex McLeish, said he would not stand in the way of the 27-year-old if he wanted to leave the club newly relegated to the Championship. Marseille were also interested in the player.

West Bromwich Albion have signed the left-back Marek Cech from Porto for £1.4m. The 25-year-old Slovakia international has joined on a three-year contract with the Premier League newcomers.

Cech, who can also play on the left side of midfield, has linked up with Tony Mowbray's side on their pre-season tour of Holland and Germany. He has made 29 appearances for his country, scoring three goals, and will challenge Paul Robinson for a first-team place at The Hawthorns.

The Greek international striker Georgios Samaras has completed his move from Manchester City to Celtic, having spent four months on loan with the Scottish champions last season.

Samaras signed for City for £5m in 2006 and has switched to Gordon Strachan's team on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He scored six times in 21 appearances for them last season.

"I am really happy with this move and I think both sides are really happy," said the 23-year-old. "I wanted to stay here, Celtic wanted to keep me here and both sides are happy with this transfer. Last season we finished in the best possible way, winning the championship. It was the best moment in my career so far. Celtic are one of the best teams in Europe with a very distinguished manager."