Mario Melchiot is thinking over Birmingham's offer to move to St Andrews on a free transfer.

Blues are understood to be close to reaching an agreement with the Dutchman.

If a deal can be finalised then Melchiot is set to put pen to paper on a lucrative three-year contract.

The former Ajax ace is a free agent this summer after coming to the end of his contract at Chelsea and being released.

He has attracted interest from a host of other clubs, most notably Spanish side Villarreal.

But Melchiot, who spent five years with Chelsea after joining them on a free transfer from Ajax, is believed to be keen to stay in the Premiership and that is working in Birmingham's favour. Blues also have the added bonus of being able to reunite Melchiot with one - and possibly two - of his former Chelsea team-mates.

They already have Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell at St Andrews after City successfully extended his loan spell for another season.

And the Chelsea connection could be strengthened further if Jesper Gronkjaer accepts Birmingham's offer.

SB clearly wants him,should think the scales are tipped just in our favour ..?
K.R.O.

We've also got Barry Bridges and Bert Murray.