Jack Butland could well have to leave Birmingham in the January transfer window in order to keep the club out of administration. The 19-year-old England goalkeeper is being chased by several teams, most notably Liverpool, who are understood to have already been in talks with the midlands outfit.
Blues rejected a £6million bid from Southampton for Butland in the summer, but acting chairman Peter Pannu has admitted the cash-strapped club may not be able to resist such temptations next month as they bid to ease their increasing financial struggles.
Peter Pannu: "I can't say that we are in a very wonderful situation, I would be lying if I said that.
"This is a very tricky question (player sales). What I can say is that - and I might be blasted for this by the fans - but no-one is for sale and everyone is available. As at any club.
"Give me a £15m offer for Jack Butland, can I say no?
"I have rejected £6m from Southampton (in the summer) but I rejected it when our finances were okay.
"As the time is ticking, I might not be able to reject it if I get something similar.
"I do have a responsibility to keep the club running.
"My top priority now - and if I do offend anyone, I care not - is to make sure this clubs stays afloat."
Butland is not the only player facing a possible exit, with a handful of other high earners troubling Birmingham's wage bill, most notably Nikola Zigic's £50,000-plus a week wages.
Pannu has been exploring the potential for bringing in new owners or finding investment in the club for some time.
The board of Birmingham International Holdings Limited (BIHL), City's parent company, announced late last month they were in talks with two parties from Hong Kong and one from the UK - Gianni Paladini's Italian-backed consortium.
They were at an advanced stage in discussions with one of the Hong Kong bidders - which has now fallen through.
Source: Newcastle United Mad
Source: FOOTYMAD
