Birmingham have confirmed former Villa striker John Carew is on their radar – and manager Chris Hughton still hopes to keep Cameron Jerome and Scott Dann.

Nigel Reo-Coker’s future lies away from Villa after he was one of 10 players released by the club today along with Robert Pires and John Carew.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth has launched a passionate defence of Albion’s January transfer hunt – and claimed the club tried to sign 29 different strikers.

Albion today went back to the drawing board in their striker hunt after Villa star John Carew delivered a massive blow by choosing Stoke over the Baggies.

Albion were back on ‘Carew alert’ today as leading scorer Peter Odemwingie claimed he would welcome extra competition for his place.

Albion are ready to play a waiting game for John Carew after deciding the Villa striker is their best option to beef up their attack.

Albion could turn to Monaco forward Dieumerci Mbokani after their hopes of signing John Carew were hit by Villa’s own striker shortage.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier is ready to forgive and forget his spat with John Carew and turn to the fit-again striker for Saturday’s clash against Arsenal.

Richard Dunne today welcomed news of reserve run-outs for John Carew and Robert Pires after admitting Villa need more experience in the ranks.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has ruled out a January swoop for Michael Owen – but will sign former Arsenal star Robert Pires.