Blues in top strike duo link

Birmingham are being linked with a swoop for Portsmouth striker David Nugent and veteran Czech Republic hitman Jan Koller.

Blues boss Alex McLeish has money burning a hole in his pocket following the £6million sale of Fabrice Muamba to Bolton earlier in the week and his main priority is to bring in a new striker following the loss of Mikael Forssell and Mauro Zarate since their relegation to the Championship.

It is thought Pompey's fringe striker, Nugent, is on McLeish's wanted list after he endured a disappointing campaign at Fratton Park in which he struggled to break into the first team.

Former boss Steve Bruce wanted to sign Nugent from Preston last summer, but he opted for a move to Pompey and could be available this time around. The only stumbling block for the Blues is Premier League duo Sunderland and Stoke could rival them for his signature and have top-flight football on offer.

Meanwhile 35-year-old Koller has also been linked with a move to St Andrews as the player's representative confirmed their interest in the Nurnberg forward.

Pavel Paska told TV Nova: "Two clubs have shown interest - Krylia Sovetov Samara and Birmingham City."