Scharner cool over Birmingham interest

AUSTRIAN international Paul Scharner has given a cool response to interest being shown in him by Birmingham manager Steve Bruce.

Bruce watched the 25-year-old, who can play at centre-half or in midfield, in action for his club Brann over the weekend. Blues would have to pay around £2m for Scharner if Bruce decided to take his interest any further in January.

But, although willing to talk to the midlands club, Scharner is indicating his future could lie elsewhere if a move goes ahead.

He said: “I understand that Birmingham liked what they saw and that there should be a conversation in the near future. Birmingham would not be my favourite club but if they want to talk then I would listen to them and it might happen.

“Steve Bruce is a fantastic manager but I am not sure that the team will do very well in the league this season so, at this stage of my career, Birmingham might not be the right choice for me.”