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Birmingham are to ask the FA to report Australian side Perth Glory to FIFA after recent comments about striker Kevin Phillips.

The A-League side confirmed their interest in signing the former England international, who has only just returned from a period on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

And Glory coach Dave Mitchell said he is planning to meet with Phillips or his representative on an upcoming trip to England when he will also watch the 35-year-old in action in the Midlands derby against Wolves on April 6.

Of the Australian club's interest in the veteran goal ace, Mitchell said: "That's not a rumour, that's a fact. He's under contract but I have made some enquiries about him and he's a good player.

"He's old but he's very quick still, quick and darty. He has kept himself fit and he's a fit person and he's scoring goals in the Championship regularly for Birmingham, so if we get him, he'd be a great asset."

But Birmingham chairman David Gold has been left unimpressed by Mitchell's words, claiming no formal approach has been registered with the Midlands outfit and threatening to make an official complaint to world football's governing body.

A statement on Birmingham's official website read: "Birmingham City FC can confirm that they have received no approach from any club regarding Kevin Phillips, and that they would not welcome any.

"In light of recent comments made by the manager of Perth Glory in today's press in respect of our player, who he acknowledges is under contract, we will be asking the FA to put a representation to FIFA on the club's behalf in respect of Australian club Perth Glory and their recent press claims over Kevin Phillips.

"The club will be asking FIFA to look for a potential breach of FIFA Article 17.5 and possibly Article 18.3 in respect of Perth Glory's recent claims which clearly states that a club should not act in a manner designed to induce a breach of contract between a professional and a club to facilitate a transfer.

"And that a club should also inform the player's current club in writing before entering into negotiations with a player, and a club is only able to do so providing the player's contract with his current club is due to expire in six months."

Eurosport