BIRMINGHAM AIM TO END STEWART IMPASSE
BIRMINGHAM CITY were last night preparing an improved contract offer for Greg Stewart as they seek to conclude his £500,000 move from Dundee. The English Championship club agreed a fee for the 26-year-old earlier this week, but the initial personal terms put forward were rejected. Sportsmail understands, however, that Birmingham remain keen on landing Stewart, with further negotiations expected over the next 48 hours. The sought-after forward missed last weekend’s opening Premiership win over Ross County through injury but has been declared fit for tomorrow’s live television meeting with Rangers. And Dundee manager Paul Hartley insists he would have no fears about pitching Stewart into action against Mark Warburton’s men if the Birmingham switch remains on ice. ‘Greg is a Dundee player,’ said Hartley. ‘He trained on Thursday and is in the squad for Saturday. ‘A fee was agreed but not the personal terms, so it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere just now. ‘I need to work with him to prepare for the Rangers game. He’s fit and he’ll be in the squad. ‘We’ve been speaking on and off for the last few days. His mental side is pretty good and I don’t see that being a problem. ‘He’s pretty calm about things. That’s the kind of player he is. ‘Nothing really fazes him. But I’ve got to look at everything. ‘The players did really well at Ross County last week but Greg will be part of our plans. ‘Once a fee was agreed we gave him permission to speak to Birmingham City but personal terms weren’t agreed. ‘The ball is in their court but it’s a no-go just now. We’re delighted we’ve still got him and it’s up to them now. ‘Greg missed the first couple of days of training through injury so we were preparing without him anyway in the early part of the week. ‘If he’s still our player on Saturday — and I expect him to be — then he’ll be part of the squad.’ Stewart has made the PFA Scotland Player of the Year shortlist in each of his two seasons at Dens Park but is now in the final year of his contract. ‘I’ve always said he’s priceless for us but we’re in a situation where he can sign a pre-contract in four or five months,’ added Hartley. ‘Any club is in a difficult position when a player is in the final year of their contract. ‘We want to keep Greg but he’s ambitious.’