Source: Daily_Mail
Alex McLeish must wait until summer for new Joe Hart loan deal
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has been told he must wait until the close season to see if he can sign Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart on loan for a second campaign.[LNB]Hart has been in outstanding form since his temporary switch from Eastlands and emerged as a strong contender to be part of England's World Cup squad. [LNB]McLeish is keen to retain Hart's services for another 12 months and ideally would like to get approval from Roberto Mancini sooner rather than later. But the former Scotland boss has been told he must hold fire until the summer. [LNB] Between the sticks: Hart has been in fine form for Birmingham this season[LNB]McLeish said: 'City are not going to make any decisions regarding Joe until the summer. They have confirmed that to us now. [LNB]'We would like to sign Joe for another season. The keeping role is massively important and that's why I'd like to get City's nod of approval. [LNB]'That would help us in terms of us knowing what we are doing but there will be no news until the summer.'[LNB] McLeish is full of praise for the way Hart has adjusted to life at St Andrew's after the arrival of Shay Given at Eastlands saw him lost his first-team spot. [LNB]He said: 'A top class keeper can save you 10-12 points every season and Joe has certainly done that already. [LNB] 'I believe he has done well enough to go to the World Cup but it is down to Fabio Capello. I am not picking his team.'[LNB]McLeish remains optimistic that left-back Liam Ridgewell and midfielder Sebastian Larsson will sign new deals with Blues. [LNB] Point made: McLeish (right) celebrates Kevin Phillips' last-gasp equaliser against Arsenal on Saturday after Hart was beaten by Samir Nasri's effort (above)[LNB]The duo are both out of contract in the summer although City can take up two-year and 12-month options respectively. [LNB]McLeish said: 'We're working on Liam and Seb. As far as I'm aware, we are quite close with things. I'm sure the guys will get a fair offer each.'[LNB]Ridgewell has slotted in effectively into his new role after previously playing predominantly as a central defender. [LNB]Larsson has lost his place in the starting line-up recently to January signing Craig Gardner but remains a player McLeish wants to keep in assembling his squad for next season. [LNB] Birmingham City striker Phillips has no plans to retire at the end of the season Birmingham 1 Arsenal 1: Wenger insists pitch to blame for title setback Home sweet home: Hat-trick hero Tevez reveals dedication to City fansCarlos Tevez the 12-minute hat-trick hero joins Defoe, Fowler, Cantona, Shearer and Solskjaer in the quickfire treble hall of fameBIRMINGHAM CITY FC
