Nafti talks progressing

Blues midfielder in discussions over deal

Last updated: 9th April 2008

birmingham mehdi nafti

Nafti: Positive talks

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Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has engaged in contract talks with Mehdi Nafti, with preliminary discussions having yielded 'positive' results.

The Tunisian international has proved an able performer when called upon this season and is regarded by McLeish to be a key squad man.

Nafti's existing deal at St Andrews expires at the end of the season, with Birmingham having a one-year option on his services.

Former Blues boss and current Wigan incumbent Steve Bruce is known to be a fan of the player but McLeish is quietly confident of keeping him in the Midlands.

"It's the silly season for those types of comments," McLeish told the club's official website.

"Maybe some people are trying to unsettle others but we have an option on Mehdi.

"I've had some pretty positive talks with Mehdi, so that kind of talk in the papers doesn't bother me."

Kapo boost

In other news, Olivier Kapo is set to return to Birmingham's starting line-up for Saturday's game against Everton.

The Frenchman has been out for the past six weeks with a hamstring injury but is now ready to play some part at the weekend.

"Kapo has taken maybe a week or two longer than we would have liked but you don't want to rush these injuries back. He has been training this week and looks on course to be available for selection," added McLeish.

There is, though, less good news with regards James McFadden's rehabilitation from knee surgery.

"But McFadden has a small irritation on the outside of his knee. We've got to remember it's only about 15 or 16 days since he had his operation.

"Although it was routine, there is a healing process and sometimes it can go really smoothly and other times you can have a bit of irritation which James has got at the moment."