Birmingham City have announced the signing of Manchester United forward Federico Macheda on loan until the end of the season.

The Italian striker becomes the third Red Devils player to make a short-term switch to St Andrew's on transfer deadline day, after Tom Thorpe and Tyler Blackett.

Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer was previously believed to be thinking about using his Old Trafford connections to bring Macheda to South Wales, but he has moved on to other targets.

There is no recall option in the deal for the 22-year-old, who scored three goals in 15 appearances during a temporary spell at Birmingham's Championship rivals Doncaster Rovers earlier this term.

Macheda will go straight into the Blues squad for their clash with Derby County on Saturday.