Next Game

Indonesia All Stars v Liverpool

Saturday, 20 July 2013, 14:30

Friendly Match

Anfield

Last Game

Liverpool 1 - 0 QPR

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Butland facing Birmingham exit

Jack Butland may have to leave Birmingham in the January transfer window in order to keep the club out of administration.

Last Updated: 28/12/12 at 14:35 Post Comment   

Jack Butland: Facing possible Birmingham exit in January

Jack Butland: Facing possible Birmingham exit in January

The 19-year-old England goalkeeper is being chased by several teams, most notably Liverpool, who are understood to have already been in talks with the Midlands outfit.

Blues rejected a £6million bid from Southampton for Butland in the summer, but acting chairman Peter Pannu has admitted the cash-strapped club may not be able to resist such temptations next month as they bid to ease their increasing financial struggles.

"I can't say that we are in a very wonderful situation, I would be lying if I said that," Pannu told the Birmingham Mail.

"This is a very tricky question (player sales). What I can say is that - and I might be blasted for this by the fans - but no-one is for sale and everyone is available. As at any club.

"Give me a £15m offer for Jack Butland, can I say no?

"I have rejected £6m from Southampton (in the summer) but I rejected it when our finances were okay.

"As the time is ticking, I might not be able to reject it if I get something similar.

"I do have a responsibility to keep the club running.

"My top priority now - and if I do offend anyone, I care not - is to make sure this clubs stays afloat."

Butland is not the only player facing a possible exit, with a handful of other high earners troubling Birmingham's wage bill, most notably Nikola Zigic's £50,000-plus a week wages.

Investment

Pannu has been exploring the potential for bringing in new owners or finding investment in the club for some time.

The board of Birmingham International Holdings Limited (BIHL), City's parent company, announced late last month they were in talks with two parties from Hong Kong and one from the UK - Gianni Paladini's Italian-backed consortium.

They were at an advanced stage in discussions with one of the Hong Kong bidders - which has now fallen through.

Providing an update on the situation, Pannu said: "It is no secret that there are two parties in Hong Kong that we have been dealing with.

"The fans also know that my preferred party, which was reported in the media, the Charles Chan and SMEG group, unfortunately did not transpire.

"But we still have another very big party we are dealing with in Hong Kong."

Pannu also revealed he continues to be in discussions with Paladini's consortium and met a member of the bid for talks recently, although he is demanding greater clarity on those behind the offer and their plans.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

T

rue. Stoke, Sunderland and Swindon also showed no interest in him.

udangapi
Carra puzzled by no interest

Footer 365

Pulis departs Stoke - Reports

Tony Pulis has left Stoke City after seven years in charge at the Britannia Stadium, according to unconfirmed reports on Tuesday afternoon.

Moutinho cools Porto exit talk

Joao Moutinho insists he has "no intention" of leaving Porto, after being once again linked with a big-money move to Tottenham this summer.

Edgar Davids agrees to remain as Barnet head coach next season

Barnet head coach Edgar Davids has agreed to remain with the London club for next season.

Mail Box

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

What Would United Be Like In The Pub?

The Premier League season has only been over for about 20 hours and already we're well into the summer-type Mailbox. Plus, a shout for the 2014 player of the year...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved