BIRMINGHAM boss Steve Bruce is expecting to learn Craig Bellamy's decision regarding his future this morning - but Newcastle United fear the stubborn striker will dig his heels in over a switch.

Bellamy held negotiations with Bruce on Saturday, while Newcastle were playing Coventry in the FA Cup, to discuss a £6m move to St Andrews after the two clubs agreed the fee.

The Magpies - who could make a late, late move for Tottenham's Robbie Keane - are desperate to offload the 25-year-old before the closure of the January transfer window later today and are hoping the Blues' powers of persuasion have proved strong enough.

But Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is bracing himself for the unwanted situation that Bellamy turns down the offer and sees out the rest of the campaign in the reserves - desperately hoping for a change of manager during that time.

Initially, after the bid from the west midlands club had been accepted on Friday, Bellamy had refused to even consider the prospect of a transfer to Birmingham.

But had a change of heart and headed for talks on Saturday.

The Welshman was understood to have been angling for a switch to either Liverpool or Celtic - the two clubs he supported as a boy - in the hope of playing Champions League football next season.

However, neither club have been willing to meet Newcastle's £6m valuation of the player, the same figure the Tyneside outfit paid Coventry for his services in 2001.

Now Bruce, whose side were dumped out of the FA Cup by Chelsea yesterday, is keeping his fingers crossed that Bellamy agrees to move to Birmingham.

"We agreed a fee with Newcastle and I spoke to Craig on Saturday. The only problem is that with the transfer window due to close at 5pm on Monday we need a decision quickly," said Bruce.

"He knows how to get hold of me and I expect to hear from him either tonight or first thing Monday to find out his decision."

Celtic are believed to be waiting in the wings if the proposed move to Birmingham breaks down, but it would be a deal that does not suit Newcastle.

The Bhoys have little money to spend on fees but are prepared to take Bellamy on loan until the end of the season and pay his reputed £45,000 a week wages.

Bellamy's pending departure from St James' Park follows a week long feud with manager Graeme Souness and Shepherd.

The fiery forward accused Souness of lying after the defeat to Arsenal eight days ago - when Bellamy denied feigning injury to avoid playing right midfield - while Shepherd claimed the player cheated the club.

But Bellamy, who has always protested his innocence, insisted yesterday that he would love to play for Newcastle again once Souness' reign comes to an end.

"When Graeme Souness leaves the club I would walk back there, that's how much it means to me," said Bellamy.

"I have only ever had a real problem with this man.

"It started from day one when he came in and said he didn't like my style of play . . .that I couldn't hold the ball up.

"If I do leave Newcastle I would love to go back when Souness goes. I would pay my own expenses to go there - that is how much it means to me."

Souness has considered the possibility of replacing Bellamy with Spurs striker Keane, but time may run out on the possibility of a similar £6m deal.

The Republic of Ireland international would seriously consider a move to St James' where he would team up with fellow countrymen Shay Given, Andy O'Brien and Stephen Carr.

Olivier Bernard could also be on the move away from Newcastle with Southampton boss Harry Redknapp looking at a busy deadline day.

Bernard is no nearer signing an extension to his contract, which runs out in the summer, and Celestine Babayaro's arrival is a signal of the Frenchman's days at Newcastle coming to an end.