Lee Bowyer will meet Birmingham manager Alex McLeish later this week to discuss a permanent move to St Andrew's, according to reports.

McLeish has already stressed his strong desire to keep hold of the midfielder after his starring role in the club's promotion to the Premier League following his January arrival on loan from West Ham.

The 32-year-old is available on a free transfer with his contract at Upton Park almost at an end, with the only possible stumbling block coming in the form of wages.

Despite rumoured interest from other parties, Bowyer is believed to be keen on a switch to Blues and that will be music to the ears of McLeish, who will also look to complete the details of a similar deal for right-back Stephen Carr as soon as possible.

Bowyer made 17 appearances for the midlands outfit during his four-month stay, scoring on his debut before seeing red in his last game against Preston.