Upson sees future out of Birmingham, says agent

Chelsea's Didier Drogba vies with Birmingham's Matthew Upson (R) in a Premiereship match at home to Birmingham City in August 2004. Upson does not see his future with current club Birmingham, his agent has said, a statement that will spark a scramble for his signature from several Premiership clubs in January.

Matthew Upson does not see his future with current club Birmingham, his agent has said, a statement that will spark a scramble for his signature from several Premiership clubs in January.

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce wants to retain the services of the central defender and has warned it will take a "mega-bucks offer" to persuade him to sell the England player in January.

Upson has 18 months left of his current deal after refusing the offer of a new five-year contract last season.

Now his agent Barry Neville has insisted Upson wants a move away from St. Andrews with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle keeping tabs on the seven million pounds rated player.

Neville said Sunday: "Matt has made it quite clear that he sees his future elsewhere. Until a club contacts Birmingham, Matt remains a Birmingham player."

Upson has only just returned to fitness after a 10-month lay-off with pelvic and achilles problems.

Bruce will attempt to persuade Upson that his long term future should be with Blues if they regain their place in the Premiership.

They are currently on course to achieve that objective and head the Championship by six points.

Bruce said: "Matt Upson could be key to getting us where we want to be. We've got to be strong enough when the transfer window opens.

"Hopefully by the summer we can be in the Premier League and can make Matt an offer he can't refuse.

"I have said to Matt is we are promoted, that we would want to build our team around him.

"Where can I go and get a left-sided England centre-back who is 27 of his quality? I don't think I can."