Blues back off without making formal bid

Birmingham City have given up in their attempts to lure Andrew Johnson back to St Andrews from Palace.

Steve Bruce’s side had been linked with a rumoured £4m bid for the 24-year-old striker, who left Birmingham as a makeweight in the Clinton Morrison deal three years ago.

"Crystal Palace made it clear that he is not for sale and at no point was a bid actually placed," a statement read.

"As far as we are concerned that is the end of the matter and manager Steve Bruce will look at other targets."