West Brom reject Kamara bid

The Senegalese forward scored 23 goals last season as the Baggies finished fourth in the Coca-Cola Championship, only to miss out on joining their midlands rivals in the top flight when they lost the play-off final to Derby.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce wants to make Kamara, 26, his second summer signing after Fabrice Muamba, who signed on a permanent basis in May following his loan spell from Arsenal.

The offer would represent a significant profit on West Brom's initial outlay of £1.5million to Italian side Modena two years ago.

But Albion chairman Jeremy Peace, who last week insisted none of the club's key players were for sale, has rejected Birmingham's offer out of hand.

Kamara has two years left on his current contract at The Hawthorns, with the option of a further 12 months, but agent Willie McKay has made it clear the player wants a return to the Premiership.

Birmingham could therefore be back with an improved offer after the club this morning confirmed they have received an initial approach about a possible takeover bid.

Reports have linked the Blues with a £70million bid from an unnamed Far East businessman.

Bruce is short of firepower after Gunners manager Arsene Wenger confirmed he wanted Nicklas Bendtner, who also spent last season at St Andrews, back at Emirates Stadium next term.

He has also been linked with Tottenham striker Mido and Marlon Harewood of West Ham.