Birmingham City boss is facing a battle for Johnson

Jun 4 2009 By Andy Walker

Meanwhile, Blues are tracking another highly-rated Championship centre-half, Coventry’s Scott Dann.

However, they are yet to make an approach for the England Under-21 international but, similarly to Johnson, it is believed only a fee of around £5million would prise him away.

The 22-year-old Liverpudlian has impressed since arriving from Walsall in January 2008 and captained the Sky Blues last season.

Elsewhere Blues had their hopes of landing England Under-21 goalkeeper Joe Hart boosted yesterday by Mark Hughes’ admittance that he is likely to send the 22-year-old out on loan next season.

The Manchester City boss sees Hart as Shay Given’s eventual successor but accepts that the youngster, who is away with Stuart Pearce’s Under-21s preparing for the European Championships in Sweden later this month, needs regular first-team football.

McLeish wants to add Shewsbury-born Hart to his squad as competition for Maik Taylor, with Colin Doyle being loaned out to a Championship club.

Hughes admitted: “It might be to both Joe’s and the club’s benefit if he did go out on loan.

“Joe is frustrated and wants to play. We will look at his situation in the coming weeks.

“He’d be playing on a regular basis and, given his ability, he would no doubt improve his standing in the game and help his development.”