Birmingham City have confirmed their interest in bringing Leeds midfielder, Lee Bowyerto St Andrews.

Blues boss Steve Bruce is keen to bring Bowyer to the club to boost their chances of staying in the Premiership.

Although the club do not expect Bowyer to be interested in a permanent deal, they are prepared to pay the midfielder’s wages (estimated at £30,000 a week) until the end of the season with an additional six-figure bonus payable, if the club retain their Premier League status.

Bowyer is out of contract with Leeds at the end of the current campaign, when he can leave on a free transfer. Elland Road boss Terry Venables has becomeincreasingly frustrated with Bowyer’s refusal to sign a new deal with the club and may accept a cut-price offer for the controversial midfielder rather than see him leave for nothing at the end of the season.

A statement from Birmingham confirmed:’Further to intense media speculation concerning an approach for Leeds midfielder, Lee Bowyer, Birmingham City can confirm that the club is interested in signing a player of Bowyer’s calibre.’

A club spokesman added: ‘Yesterday’s signing of former World Cup winner, Christophe Dugarry, shows the intentions of the club in helping Steve Bruce to secure Birmingham City’s status as a Premier League club.

‘However, in relation to Lee Bowyer, the club can confirm that lots of work needs to be done before any deal is finalised.’