GERARD Houllier has lodged a second bid for Charlie Adam as Aston Villa step up their battle with Birmingham for the Blackpool captain.
And the club are still optimistic of pushing through a deal for Jean Makoun despite the Lyon midfielder admitting there are other clubs in for him.
But Houllier’s loan swoop for Wayne Bridge looks to be over with the Manchester City left-back favouring a move back to London.
Mat Kendrick Our Man At The Villa will be discussing transfers live online with you at 12noon today - www.birminghammail.net/live
Villa last night returned with an offer believed to be around £3.5 million for Adam after they and Blues had £2m-plus bids rejected.
It is a fascinating sub-plot to this Sunday’s crunch Second City survival clash at St Andrew’s – because Adam could yet line up for either side.
However, the claret and blue hierarchy are reluctant to be drawn into a bidding war for the 25-year-old Scottish international midfielder.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway yesterday admitted rejecting offers from Villa and Blues, saying: “I spoke to Charlie this morning and he knows where I am coming from, and I know where he is coming from.
