Blues' Gardner bid fails

Birmingham City have had a £3million bid rejected by rivals Villa for Wolves target Craig Gardner.

Blues' offer is bound to be the opening shot in what is likely to become a bidding war for the 23-year-old midfielder.

Wolves and Stoke are also keen on Gardner, but it is thought the Brummie would welcome a move across the city to St Andrew's. Blues are likely to tempt Villa with another bid but they won't pay over the odds for the former England Under-21 international.

Wolves, who have two bids in for Hull winger Stephen Hunt, are likely to follow Blues and make a counter offer for Gardner.

Meanwhile, Blues boss Alex McLeish wants to extend his current contract and that of his backroom staff. McLeish has 18 months left of his present deal which he signed when replacing Steve Bruce at St Andrew's just over two years ago.

He is being touted as a contender for Liverpool manager if Rafael Benitez leaves Anfield. McLeish said: "Should there be a contract review? Why not? My coaches deserve a review.

"I've still got 18 months left on my contract, I'd like to think there is scope there for us to extend that. We're laying foundations here."