Clinton Morrison's transfer from Crystal Palace to Birmingham is still to be finalised as Andrew Johnson discusses terms over his move in the opposite direction.
Birmingham are understood to have agreed a £4million-plus package with Palace consisting of a £3million payment up front plus £500,000 if they survive in the Premiership while Johnson is valued at around £750,000. But, while Republic of Ireland international Morrison is all set to move to the Midlands, it is believed that Johnson is holding the deal up while he thrashes out his own terms at Selhurst Park. Birmingham had been hopeful of concluding the deal today but it may now drag on for a couple of days.
Morrison held an initial meeting yesterday with Blues officials regarding personal terms and a further round of negotiations have taken place today. There was no official comment from the Blues camp today although it is believed that Morrison is happy with the talks and will sign subject to a medical if the Johnson end of the deal is concluded satisfactorily.
Morrison has been the number one summer target of Birmingham manager Steve Bruce, who had a brief spell in charge of the player when Palace manager. Bruce's efforts to sign Morrison have intensified after the collapse of the deal to sign Poland international Emmanuel Olisadebe from Panathinaikos because of his wage demands - reported to be around £30,000 a week. Midfielders Robbie Savage (Leicester) and Aliou Cisse (Paris St Germain) plus defender Kenny Cunningham (Wimbledon) have already joined City in the close season.
Filed by James Boylan
