Blues chase Crossley

BIRMINGHAM CITY are planning a move for Middlesbrough's back-up goalkeeper Mark Crossley.

Blues boss Steve Bruce is chasing cover for the keeper position as first choice Nico Vaesen is sidelined until December with injury.

Ian Bennett has recently signed a new contract to stay at St Andrews but Bruce is short of experienced back-up for the 31-year-old.

Crossley has been unable to dislodge Mark Schwarzer as number one at The Riverside and spent two spells on loan at Stoke City last season.

The First Division outfit are believed to be keen to secure Crossley on a permanent basis and could rival Birmingham for his signature.

A fee in the region of £400,000 has been mooted in certain quarters but it seems unlikely either club would be willing to shell out that sum for the 34-year-old.

Bruce is thought to be ready to offer Crossley a two-year contract to move to the Midlands and the Welsh international may prefer the opportunity to remain in The Premiership.