Bruce keen to keep Muamba

Birmingham City would be willing to sign on-loan midfielder Fabrice Muamba on a permanent basis.

Muamba is one of a trio of Arsenal players to be spending the season on loan with Blues, with Nicklas Bendtner and Sebastian Larsson also at St Andrews.

Larsson could secure a long-term deal at Birmingham, although Bendtner will return to Emirates Stadium in the summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also keen for Muamba to come back to the club after building up his first-team experience in the Championship.

But Wenger's Birmingham counterpart Steve Bruce would happily keep the teenager, if The Gunners changed their stance.

"We are delighted with the contribution of Fabrice and I know Arsene Wenger wants him to get a football education with us," said Bruce.

"But if Arsenal wanted to make him available, we would listen.

"However, I would think January would be too early to discuss any permanent move."