BIRMINGHAM City face a tricky dilemma over defender Liam Ridgewell.

The defender’s mood has not changed in that he remains determined to leave St Andrew’s.

Ridgewell slapped in a transfer request the day before the summer window closed to try to force through a move.

But Blues resisted Newcastle United’s overtures and made it clear to Ridgewell he was not on the ‘to go’ list of players.

Blues moved out Craig Gardner, Roger Johnson, Cameron Jerome, Scott Dann and Barry Ferguson, among others.

But manager Chris Hughton indicated he wanted Ridgewell to stay to help as he set about rebuilding the squad for the Championship.

Ridgewell was selected as first-choice left-back by Hughton but his performances have not reached the same heights of the previous 18 months, plus his demeanour changed.

And then David Murphy carried on his Europa League form in the Championship when Ridgewell suffered a thigh injury in November.

Murphy is now the preferred pick for the position and Ridgewell is currently nursing a hamstring injury.

After Albion came in for Ridgewell last week – there have been no new bids since – it was communicated to Blues that the 27-year-old still wanted out.

Blues rejected Albion’s offer, of around £1 million.

And Baggies boss Roy Hodgson today stated it was unlikely they would go back in for the former Villa defender.