Source: Team_Talk
O'Neill resigned to Gardner switch
Gardner looks poised to complete a move to Birmingham if the two clubs can agree on a fee after the initial offer for the player was rejected.[LNB]The England Under-21 international has had only a bit-part role to play at Villa this season.[LNB]Wolves have also enquired about Gardner but Birmingham are the only club to have so far made a definite bid.[LNB]O'Neill said: "I know Craig wants to play. In an ideal world, I would love to keep him. He is as genuine as they come.[LNB]"There are some players who have left in my time here who haven't made a most incredible contribution.[LNB]"But I would be sorry to see Craig go but accept the fact if two clubs agree a fee, that he would probably would go.[LNB]"Birmingham have made a bid and, as it stands, it hasn't been accepted.[LNB]"There have been other enquiries but, as we speak, those other clubs haven't made a bid."[LNB]Gardner could become Birmingham's second January signing, following Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel to St Andrew's.[LNB]He would link up with two former Villa team-mates, defender Liam Ridgewell and veteran striker Kevin Phillips.[LNB]Birmingham boss Alex McLeish retains an interest in signing Ryan Babel despite an initial bid - believed to be around £8million - being rejected by Liverpool earlier in the month.[LNB]Celtic have also stressed that another McLeish target, Aiden McGeady, is not for sale.[LNB]Birmingham have flown out to Malta today for four days to get in some warm-weather training after the snow and ice disrupted their recent schedule.[LNB][LNB] Aston Villa 8/13, Draw 5/2, Blackburn 11/2
