The 23-year-old Dutchman, who starred for his country as they retained their European Under-21 crown last month, was out of contract with Spanish side Celta Vigo and has joined Blues despite interest from Ajax, where he began his career.

The signing of De Ridder follows on from the acquisition of midfielder Fabrice Muamba, utility player Stuart Parnaby, striker Garry O'Connor and attacking midfielder Olivier Kapo, and Bruce was once again excited to have strengthened his squad for City's return to the Premier League.

"He was obviously somebody who came to light during the Under-21 European Championships," said Bruce.

"He had a bit of a problem last season with an injury but he did very well this summer for Holland in the European Championships.

"He is another one who is at the right age that we are looking for. He has got around 30 caps for Holland Under-21s.

"But the big thing for me is that he can play left side, right side, through the middle and off the front.

"He is very, very versatile and he will be a fantastic addition to the squad and we're delighted that he has come to join us.

"We have beaten off a bit of competition, from his hometown club Ajax in particular, so it was great to get him."

Charlton midfielder Amdy Faye is another linked to Birmingham, while Kapo's arrival from Juventus in a £3million deal is a huge boost to Bruce.

Bruce added: "Kapo is one of these exciting ones, he can do something different. He has got fantastic ability.

"The move to Juventus obviously didn't go as well as he would have liked it to have done but before that, at Auxerre, I'd seen him play many times.

"Ten caps for France, three goals - he is a player, his technical ability is fantastic and, again, he is someone that we welcome to the squad."