BIRMINGHAM City are ready to offer goalkeeper Mark Crossley a two-year deal to prise him away from Middlesbrough, writes CLIVE HETHERINGTON.

The Welsh international only has a year left on his Riverside contract and is seeking a 12-month extension.

Boro manager Steve McClaren insists he wants Crossley, who turned 34 this week, to stay as cover for first-choice keeper Mark Schwarzer.

But Crossley, also the subject of interest from Stoke City and former club Nottingham Forest, is understood to be tempted by the lure of regular Premiership action with Birmingham.

Former Newcastle trainee Ian Bennett has signed a new deal with the Blues, but boss Steve Bruce is anxious to bolster his goalkeeping department after Nico Vaesen was ruled out until Christmas with a knee ligament injury.

Crossley, signed from Forest by Bryan Robson in a Bosman deal three years ago, was instrumental in keeping Stoke in Division One last season during an extended loan, and the Potters want him to return on a permanent basis.

Boro are certain to demand a fee for Crossley if McClaren, who rates him as one of the "top ten keepers in the Premiership'', agrees his exit.

Crossley has made no attempt to hide his frustration over a lack of opportunities in the shadow of Schwarzer.

While the Australian was unavailable through international duty and injury two seasons ago, Crossley kept nine clean sheets in 16 games, but had to make way when Schwarzer regained fitness.

McClaren, who admits Boro have "keepers galore'', is keen to promote Schwarzer's compatriot Brad Jones and also has high hopes for youngsters Sam Russell and Ross Turnbull.

But McClaren said recently: "We want Mark Crossley to stay. He's been tremendous for us when he's been in the team.

"We loaned him to Stoke to give them a helping hand and he kept them up. He proved he was one of the best keepers in Division One. For us, he's been in the top ten keepers in the Premiership.''