His decision to quit Celtic is set to spark a race for his signature and Birmingham are keen to make their interest in the player known.

And they are hopeful of completing a double swoop by luring strike-partner Hartson – who has 18 months left on his current deal – back to England.

Chairman David Gold told the Scottish Daily Mail: “Steve has a high regard for both players and who wouldn’t want strikers like that?

“Henrik is a fantastic player with a scoring record that is second to none.

“I think you can take it there is every chance we will be coming after him come the end of the season.”