Birmingham preparing to take on Nottingham Forest for signing of Luton defender James Justin.
Despite Luton Town manager issuing a hands-off warning, Birmingham City are ready to compete with Nottingham Forest for the signing of James Justin – according to the Birmingham Mail.
The Nottingham Post reported that the Reds had an initial £1m bid for the right-back rejected, but were ready to come back with a fresh offer.
Nathan Jones celebrates
Yet after saying it before, Jones reiterated once again that Justin would not be sold this summer, despite interest from the Championship.
“Trust me, it isn’t the first one we’ve turned down,” Jones told the Bedfordshire On Sunday. “But we at Luton Town believe a minimum of another year here with us will only enhance his career, will only take him forward at the rate he needs to go and will not stunt his development in any way,
“The people in and around James believe that as well, so that’s a bonus. We have a certain thing here – we spoke to his father, spoke to his representatives, and spoke to James himself.
“Obviously we’re not a selling club and the board have been very strong once again. We don’t buckle at bids.”
This comes after there were some reports saying the Blues had agreed a £1.75m fee with Luton for the teenager’s signature.
Justin came through the ranks at Kenilworth Road and broke into the first team at the end of the 2015/16 season, making his first team debut on the last day of the campaign.
Last term the versatile youngster – who is under contract with the Hatters until 2019 – was much more of a key figure, playing 39 games in all competitions.
Birmingham City manager Harry Redknapp
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