Johnson in talks over Morrison swap deal

BIRMINGHAM striker Andrew Johnson is set for further talks with Crystal Palace as part of the £4 million-plus deal which could take Clinton Morrison in the opposite direction.

Morrison the number one summer target of manager Steve Bruce is understood to be satisfied with his personal terms after two rounds of talks with Blues officials in the last 48 hours.

He is ready to make the switch to the Midlands, subject to passing a medical, but if and when the deal goes through is dependent on Johnson agreeing terms with Palace.

The 21-year-old, a product of the Blues Academy, wants regular first team football and would welcome the chance to be reunited with Trevor Francis.

But he is equally determined not to sell himself short financially by moving to Selhurst Park, and that has been causing the delay in the move.

The Blues remain optimistic that a compromise will be reached and at present the plan is for Bruce to break off tomorrow from the club's pre-season tour of Scotland and fly back to Birmingham for a press conference to unveil Morrison if the deal is concluded.

Morrison would then be available to travel back with Bruce for the game with Partick Thistle on Saturday.

Meanwhile, striker Paul Devlin could miss the start of the Premiership season after being sent off for violent conduct in Monday night's 2-1 defeat at Livingston.

Devlin may be facing a three-match ban if referee Douglas McDonald decides to formally report the red card.