LEICESTER BID FOR ROWETT

Rowett, 26, has been one of Birmingham`s best players since he moved to St Andrews for £1 million in 1998, but he is ambitious to play at a higher level, and Peter Taylor is hoping to make him his first signing since taking over at Filbert Street.

"Peter Taylor, the Leicester manager, has been on to me about Gary," said Blues manager trevor Francis. "He has made a very good offer and it needs careful consideration.

"I want to keep my best players, but his feelings are crucial, Gary is currently on holiday and I am trying to contact him on his mobile phone to get his thoughts.

"When Charlton and Southampton came in for him, I asked him then whether he would be interested in either and he said `yes`, if he does want to talk to them then that is the next part of the equation."

Birmingham turned down the approaches of both Charlton and Southampton, but it now seems that he is set to switch from West to East Midlands, but no deal can be concluded until the former Everton man returns from Holiday.

Click here for our previous story linking Rowett with Leicester.