Bruce admits Bowyer admiration

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has revealed his admiration for Lee Bowyer amidst growing speculation the Newcastle midfielder could be his next major transfer target.

Bruce has already snapped up one of his top summer priorities in striker Mikael Forssell who has joined City from Chelsea in a £3m deal.

But a top-class midfielder is also high on his list after the departure of Robbie Savage to Blackburn in the January transfer window.

Bruce admitted Chelsea’s Scott Parker was a player he would like to sign in the closing weeks of last season, although hopes of that appear to be waning.

But Bowyer would also fit the bill and, although not willing to confirm which player he has lined up, Bruce was quick to praise the qualities of Bowyer.

He said: “I am not going to reveal my number one target because that would be unfair of me but you can rest assured that we are working hard to try and do something.

“With Scott Parker, you never say never, but I think we are up against it with that one.

“We won’t give up hope but there are three or four other irons in the fire and we are talking about some very good players.

“Yes, Lee Bowyer is a player I admire. I like him a lot and we will see what develops over the next few weeks.”

Magpies boss Graeme Souness is understood to be keen to retain the services of Bowyer despite his much publicised on-the-pitch incident with Kieron Dyer during the Barclays Premiership clash with Aston Villa.

But it is understood certain factions of the St James Park board would rather dispense with one-time England player.

Bruce is casting his net far and wide and in midweek watched the Greek duo of Giorgios Karagounis and Angelos Basinas in action in a World Cup qualifier with the Ukraine.