Former boss' warning over Jones

Sunderland manager and former Blues boss Steve Bruce has slammed transfer speculation linking Kenwyne Jones with an £11million move to Birmingham.

The powerful striker has reportedly been the subject of interest from their Premier League rivals, as manager Alex McLeish looks to spend some of his £40m pot of gold.

Jones moved to the Stadium of Light in 2007 and has formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Darren Bent this season.

The 25-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international has scored six goals in 13 Premier League starts so far this term, but Bruce denied that any offers have been made for him.

"We haven't received any bids for Kenwyne," he said.

"He's an important part of our team and he isn't going anywhere. I'm trying to build a squad that can compete here at Sunderland and I want quality players like Kenwyne Jones at the club."

The Black Cats boss also repeated his dislike for the January transfer window, labelling it 'unsettling'.

"I've already expressed my dislike of the January transfer window and my opinion on that certainly hasn't changed," he added.

"It's an unsettling time."

Blues are expected to bid again for Liverpool's Ryan Babel next week. They will up their original £9m offer.