Nikola Zigic set to quit Birmingham

Birmingham striker Nikola Zigic will join the St Andrew's firesale Nikola Zigic and quit this summer.

The 6ft 7in Serbia striker saw a debut campaign of qualified success cut short by injury last season, his absence cited by manager Alex McLeish as a key reason for Blues' relegation.

His former club Racing Santander and Spanish rivals Malaga are thought to be chasing his signature while in England, Everton have also been linked to the 30-year-old – but Blues will do well to get the substance of their £6million back on the striker.

Milan Calasan, Zigic's agent, is refusing to speculate about Zigic's next club but is adamant the striker will be leaving before the start of the new season.

Calasan said: "At the moment, the only thing that is sure is that Zigic is going to leave Birmingham this summer.

"There is still a long time left to decide, so we are not in a rush. Nikola's wish is to continue his career in England or Spain."

Blues return for pre-season training tomorrow but Zigic is not expected to join them.

Calasan also revealed the Serbian has already started individual preparation for the new season to ensure he is fully fit after his injury struggles.

He said: "Zigic has started the training process much earlier in order to fill the gap that occurred with his injury late in the season.

"Even more, I am sure that Birmingham might have avoided relegation if he played in those decisive matches at the end of the season."