Birmingham City Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Chris Hughton

• Ground:St Andrew's
• Capacity:30,016

Blues given Zarate loan hope

03 Apr 2008 - 09:45:22

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Birmingham City could retain the services of on-loan striker Mauro Zarate, according to the player's agent.

Zarate has scored three times in his last two games and has become a hit with Blues fans following his January transfer window arrival from Qatari club Al-Sadd.

The 21-year-old struggled to settled in Qatar following his £15million summer arrival from Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield.

But while a permanent transfer to St Andrew's is unlikely, the former Argentina Under-20 international could remain at the Premier League club next season.

"The Qataris want more than they paid for him, but another loan deal might be possible," agent Christian Otero told the Daily Mirror.

"It is not easy, but Birmingham have priority as they have given Mauro a chance and he is comfortable with the manager Alex McLeish.

"Mauro has captured the attention of other clubs as people can see he will be a top, top player."