Butt deal could go sour on Birmingham

NEWCASTLE misfit Nicky Butt could yet end up back at St James’ Park if Birmingham are relegated.

The 30-year-old is on a season-long loan at St Andrews and is expected to join Steve Bruce’s side permanently at the end of the season.

But Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd has revealed the arrangement will fall through if City plunge into the Coca-Cola Championship.

“Nicky and his advisors insisted on a clause that he would not join Birmingham permanently if they lose their Premiership status,” he said.

Birmingham, who travel to Tyneside on Saturday, slipped to 19th in the table as a result of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Everton.

They will hope they can drag themselves out of the relegation zone and be able to fulfil their deal for the ex-Manchester United player, who had a dreadful year in the north east after his £2.5million (€3.6m) switch from Old Trafford.