Loan deal only for Blues goalkeeper

Birmingham City have are close to sealing a deal to keep on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart at St Andrew's for next season - but tried to sign him permanently first.

The Blues No 1 has been a hit after arriving from Manchester City for the season last summer, form that has thrust him into contention for a World Cup spot with England.

But the 22-year-old still has Shay Given in his way at Eastlands and has voiced his wish to stay at St Andrew's for another campaign, a request City boss Roberto Mancini is set to agree to.

But they are not interested in letting Hart go for good, as Birmingham vice-chairman Peter Pannu revealed.

He said: "We have actually approached Manchester City with a view to buying him.

"But the difficulty is that we have recognised him as a fabulous goalie and Manchester City recognise that as well.

"So they very politely rejected our approach to them to purchase him. They have said they will let him stay here for another season on loan, but he is not for sale."