Birmingham and Wolves are ready to slug it out for the signature of Aston Villa's Craig Gardner. Both clubs are understood to have held a long-term interest in the utility-man and they are ready to firm up their interest when the transfer window reopens in January.

Gardner has found himself out of favour at Villa Park this season making only three appearances in the first-team and he could be tempted to move on in search of regular action.

Birmingham with their financial muscle are thought to be favourites over Wolves for the £3m rated player.