The former England striker, who rejected a new deal with West Bromwich Albion, had been offered a two-year deal by the Tykes and was also wanted by Leeds United.

"We have been talking with Kevin and his agent since the end of last season when we learned that he was available," said Davey.

"He was very interested in what we had to say and we put an attractive two-year package to Kevin, which meant that his decision to join Birmingham City was not about money.

"Kevin's agent phoned me to say that he had decided to join Birmingham. It means that Kevin does not have to move his family from the Midlands and he believes that City, with their parachute payments from the Premier League, have a better chance of winning promotion next season."

Despite disappointment of missing out on the 34-year-old, Davey added: "It shows just how far we have come as a football club that we can be in very serious discussions with Kevin throughout the summer. In the end it came down to a straight choice between us and Birmingham and his choice was down to family and football reasons rather than money.

"I am disappointed for the fans here at Barnsley because Kevin would have been an amazing signing for this club and he would have been a hero on the terraces."

Bradford City manager Stuart McCall has ruled out a move to Scottish club Hearts.

McCall, who took charge at Valley Parade last summer, had been linked with the managerial vacancy at Tynecastle but says he is happy at the League Two club.

"The only link I can possibly think of is that Campbell Ogilvie, the Hearts chief executive, used to be secretary at (McCall's former club) Rangers," said McCall. "He's a real football man and a real gentleman and whether people are looking at that as the connection, I don't know.

"But I've not heard anything at all and I don't expect to – I'm happy with the job I want to do here," he stressed.

Huddersfield Town are lining-up a loan deal for teenage Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley.

Former Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday striker Nigel Jemson is joining the newly-formed FC Halifax Town as player-coach for the club's first season in Unibond League Division One North.

Jemson, 38, has been appointed by new manager Jim Vince after leaving his post as manager of Ilkeston Town at the end of last season. Halifax's new name was approved yesterday by the footballing authorities.

Former Halifax and Yeovil winger Lee Elam has joined York City on trial after being released by Exeter City.