Blues leading race to sign Hughes

Hughes has turned down a new contract from Albion

Birmingham City are leading the chase for West Brom striker Lee Hughes.

But they could face competition from Coventry, who could lose John Hartson to Celtic, and Southampton, who have also showed an interest.

Birmingham are keen to land Hughes and have increased their bid to £4.5m after having an earlier offer of around £4m turned down.

If we are serious about winning the First Division then we should go and buy Lee Hughes

Birmingham manager Trevor Francis

"I have spoken to West Brom chairman Paul Thompson and have made what we believe to be a fair offer for a player who has just 12 months left on his existing contract," confirmed Birmingham managing director Karren Brady.

"At the moment our offer falls short of Albion's valuation, which we feel is hugely exaggerated under the circumstances," she told Birmingham's official website.

Brady refused to confirm the size of the bid and added: "This information has been released purely for the benefit of our supporters and any further talks will not be made public unless there is a successful outcome."

Hughes has been put up for sale by the Baggies after refusing to sign a new contract and Blues boss Trevor Francis is keen to boost his attacking options.

Francis has told Blues they should buy Hughes

He told the Birmingham City website: "The chairman has asked me my opinion and I replied if we were serious about winning the First Division, then we should go and buy Lee Hughes."

"I think he is one of the best players in the league. Every season he gets his quota of goals and he's only just turned 25."

Thompson is resigned to losing the player after refusing to reopen contract negotiations.

"The discussions are over," he said.

"I think that Lee will start the season with us but I can't be sure he will still be here at the end.

"We have tried very hard to come to an agreement but we can't do it."

Hughes, a Baggies fan since he was a child, insists he will remain focused on playing for Albion while his future remains in the balance.

He said: "Perfection would be to play Premier League football with West Bromwich Albion.

"I will continue to give my all every time I pull on the shirt."