Cameron Jerome waits for new deal at Birmingham City FC

May 15 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BOTH Blues and Cameron Jerome are relaxed about a breakdown in negotiations over a new contract.

The club have the striker tied down until the summer of 2010, but with a two-year option after that.

For a while now Jerome and his representatives have asked for a new deal, in line with some of the higher £20,000-plus wage earners who have joined Blues in the past 18 months.

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But talks have reached a stalemate and although there were suggestions the 23-year-old was therefore likely to be sold to Middlesbrough, the status quo remains.

Jerome, who scored nine times for Blues, which included many vital goals, on their way to Championship promotion, has told friends that he is happy at St Andrew’s and feels there is a ‘buzz’ back around the place.

And although he would like more security, he is prepared to carry on playing regardless, confident that the issue will be resolved in time.

The Blues hierarchy, though, have proved in the past on many occasions that they are quite prepared to dig their heels in over contractual matters and at present don’t feel they can justify meeting the demands.

Should the situation deteriorate – although that is unlikely at present – then Jerome would be one of Blues’ more saleable assets, due to his age, speed, athleticism and upside.