Birmingham are favourites to land Joe Hart after Mark Hughes’ concession that his keeper is likely to go out on loan.
Blues and fellow Premier League new boys Wolves have both been linked with a move for Hart, whose first-team opportunities at Eastlands have all but vanished since the January acquisition of Shay Given.
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey has since dismissed such reports as ‘utter nonsense’ but noises coming out of St Andrews seem to suggest Alex McLeish is far more accommodating to the idea.
Hughes described Hart as ‘one of the most promising keepers in the country’ when he signed a new five-year contract last season but is now willing to watch him develop from afar for a season.
"A loan move is something we are seriously considering and it might well happen," said Hughes.
"He'd be playing on a regular basis and, given his ability, he would no doubt improve his standing in the game and help his development and value to the club."