Birmingham City fail with further bid for Cardiff star

Jun 9 2009 by Andy Walker, Birmingham Mail

Yesterday’s rejection follows the rebuffing of an original £3.5million ‘tester’ from Blues that was tabled just over three weeks ago.

Johnson, who has played more than 100 games for Cardiff, signed a long-term deal with the Welsh club only last summer and the Bluebirds won’t let the 26-year-old go cheaply.

Sunderland, Portsmouth and recently-relegated Middlesbrough are also believed to be interested in Johnson.

Now having failed to land one of the Championship’s most sought-after centre-backs, Alex McLeish will move on to his other defensive targets.

Giovanny Espinoza’s arrival is imminent, talks with Oguchi Onweyu are at an advanced stage, while there’s still the possibility of Blues making an improved offer for Coventry’s Scott Dann.

Meanwhile, Blues goalkeeper Colin Doyle has confirmed his desire to go out on loan to a Championship club next season in order to gain regular first-team action.

The 23-year-old, who made just one start and one substitute appearance in the league last season, has grown frustrated with his recent lack of opportunities at Blues due to the fine form of Maik Taylor.

And with Manchester City’s Joe Hart expected to come in on loan next season, Doyle is likely to be pushed further down the pecking order at St Andrew’s.

While speaking to the Irish media following the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria, in which he missed out on Giovanni Trapattoni’s match squad, Doyle aired his frustration.

“You are better off back in the Championship and trying to play week-in, week-out,’’ he said.

‘‘You get better experience than sitting on the bench in a game that you could watch on the telly.”