The Wales international passed a medical at St Andrews having already agreed to join Steve Bruce's outfit on a three-year deal for a fee believed to be in the region of �2.5m-3million.

Savage has always stated his desire to stay in the Premiership having endured a season of struggle at Filbert Street which ended with the Foxes losing their six-year top-flight status.

The move to Birmingham makes him the club's most expensive signing, but the 27-year-old is undaunted at the prospect of having to cope with that tag.

"Pressure is when you haven't got a job and on the streets," said Savage.

"This is a challenge and I'm looking forward to it.

"I'm sure the fans will appreciate that I give 100%. I'm maybe not the most gifted footballer, but I'm sure the fans will get behind me and the rest of the lads."

Leicester manager Micky Adams did not want to sell the 27-year-old player.

But the club's financial situation as well as Savage's desire to play in the Premiership forced his hand.

Savage said the prospect of working under Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is one of the key reasons why he decided to join the newly promoted club.

Savage was a youngster at Manchester United when Bruce was in the first team - and the Blues boss remains an inspirational figure to the Wales midfielder.

The combative midfielder is expected to be the first of several high profile players to leave Leicester following their relegation.

"It's very disappointing from our point of view because ideally we would like to keep our better players," Adams told Leicester's official website.

"But Robbie has publicly expressed a desire to remain in the Premiership.

"Our financial situation is also well documented and as a result we have to offload players."

Birmingham finished fifth in the first division last season and were promoted after a play-off victory on penalties against Norwich City.

Savage had also been linked with West Ham United and Everton.