Birmingham boss Eck admits keeping Hart depends on Man City missing top four

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish hopes to keep hold of Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart for next season.

But he concedes he may have to look elsewhere if Roberto Mancini's side finish in the top four and qualify for football's leading club competition.

McLeish said: "We do intend to speak to Joe, his father and his agent in the coming weeks.

"I believe the club have made contact with Manchester City to try to get a meeting to see where they see Joe's future next season.

"It is a massive position for us and that is why I would like to get City's nod of approval for Joe to come again next season so we know what we are doing.

"I do need to make my plans for next season. If it looks like it's going to be a last-minute job and the answer will be a positive, then we'll do that, but it would be nice to know what City's thoughts are.

"I guess Roberto Mancini and his staff have got to have a good think about it as well. Who knows, if they are in the Champions League next season then they might feel they need two top-class keepers."