Birmingham say they have been priced out of a move for Roman Pavlyuchenko after the Spurs striker hit the goal trail.
The Blues were chasing the striker in the first half of the season but failed to agree a deal with Tottenham for the Russian and he ended up staying at White Hart Lane.
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish would love to resurrect his interest but says he will no longer be able to afford a deal after the striker forced his way into the Spurs first team.
"His price will have gone up," McLeish said in the Daily Mirror.
"I've given him too much confidence by saying I wanted him!"
The 28-year-old could still push for a move in the summer as he searches for regular first-team football but it remains to be seen if a club will come in and match Tottenham's asking price which is sure to be well over £10m.