O'Connor offered new Blues deal

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has confirmed the club have offered a new contract to Scotland striker Garry O'Connor.

O'Connor's existing contract runs out this summer but, rather than take up a two-year option on his services, it is thought the player has been offered a new deal on reduced terms because of his recent injury record.

The 27-year-old started six games early on in the campaign, but has not played since undergoing surgery on groin and hip injuries in October.

Yet O'Connor, a £2.65million signing from Lokomotiv Moscow in summer 2007, is seen as a valuable squad member by McLeish and the Blues boss has received positive fitness reports on the forward.

The manager said: "We have talked to Garry about an extension of his contract. He has been out injured a long time, so we've needed to reassess things.

"But my physios in the building are saying he has been training at a very good intensity just now.

"They are really delighted with his progress, so there could be a wee bit of scope there for a contract."

Stuart Parnaby has been offered a fresh deal rather than the club take up his 12-month option for similar reasons.

Blues may firm up their interest in Bobby Zamora by tabling a bid later this week but face stiff competition for the Fulham forward, who shone during their run to the Europa League final.

Their attempts to sign Carlton Cole look set to be thwarted by West Ham's demand for a fee in the region of £15million for the striker, who has previously had loan spells at Villa and Wolves.

But a move for Ben Foster is edging closer, following talks with the goalkeeper over the weekend.

A £4million fee has already been agreed with Manchester United for the England international.