Brian McBride

BIRMINGHAM City boss Steve Bruce made a shock £1million bid for Fulham's American World Cup striker Brian McBride last night.

Bruce wants McBride to replace Emile Heskey as his team's target man and lead them back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

McBride has just signed a new and lucrative contract with Fulham and manager Chris Coleman is reluctant to sell, but may be under pressure to cash in because of the American's age.

The far-travelled forward is also on a huge salary but that does not worry Birmingham who are determined to spend big to get themselves back into the top flight.

Bruce rates McBride highly and thinks he would add power and experience to an attack now featuring new boy Cameron Jerome.

McBride, who has just quit the international scene, is settled at Fulham but may fancy the transfer if he thinks that he will not be a first-team regular at Craven Cottage this season.