Coventry City reject swap plus cash Birmingham City offer for Scott Dann

Jun 11 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Mail

Birmingham City will widen their search for a new centre-back after Coventry City formerly rejected the player-plus-cash bid for highly-rated defender Scott Dann.

Blues had submitted an offer of former Sky Blues favourite Gary McSheffrey and a fee for the 22-year-old former Walsall defender and, as expected, Coventry chairman Ray Ransom said he is not interested.

Coventry want a cash only offer of no less than £4million for the highly-rated England Under-21 international and Blues have so far not returned with a fresh bid.

After the release of Radhi Jaidi and the loss of Liam Ridgewell through injury, Blues boss Alex McLeish is keen to reinforce his already depleted rearguard, which was the strongest in the Championship last year.

However, he has met resistance from Championship clubs to his overtures for their young talent.

As well as Coventry’s response, two attempts for Cardiff City’s Roger Johnson have also failed.

The Bluebirds want cash up front for the 26-year-old, who they value at £5million.