Blues chief hails 'exciting' AJ

Birmingham chairman David Gold has admitted Andrew Johnson is “the sort of exciting player we would want” as the club consider making a bid for the Crystal Palace striker.

Johnson, who left Blues for Selhurst Park three years ago, scored 22 goals last season and has publicly pledged his support to Palace despite their relegation.

Gold is not convinced that Johnson will remain a Palace player but Blues manager Steve Bruce (pictured) is currently on holiday and any discussions about a possible move for Johnson will not happen until early June.

But Gold said: “Andrew Johnson is the sort of exciting player we want to come to Birmingham City although you’ve got to imagine that there will be a lot of Premiership clubs interested in him.

“What seems certain to me is that he will want to play in the Premiership. I’m aware that he has said he won’t leave Palace and kissing the badge and all that is very romantic.

“But the fact is that he is an England player and needs to remain in the Premiership. I will be stunned if Andy is still at Palace in August.”