Butt may fight for Old Trafford place

Nicky Butt is torn between fighting for his place in the starting line-up at Manchester United and a £5m move to Birmingham City.

The England midfielder was on the verge of leaving Old Trafford after requesting a transfer because of his lack of first-team chances so far this season. However, he is now considering a late change of action after his team-mates and friends urged him to stay at the club he has been at since he was a boy.

Butt has spoken to his colleagues, including his captain, Roy Keane, who have told him to stay at United or to wait for a "bigger club" to come in with an offer. The mutual respect between Keane and Butt may prevent Butt from leaving.

However, Butt's advisers met with Birmingham to discuss terms on the deal and the price has already been agreed between Steve Bruce, the manager of City, and Sir Alex Ferguson, his counterpart at United. He also needs first-team football to protect his place in the England team with the European Championships looming.

Birmingham, who have £10m available to spend, will offer Butt wages of around £2m-a-year, a record for the club. Butt has never had to think about leaving United before ­ or even work with agents ­ and he will take a couple of days to weigh up his options.

Birmingham are also trying to sign the centre-half Martin Taylor from Blackburn Rovers for £2m. They would also like to tie up a permanent deal with Chelsea for the £5m striker Mikael Forssell, who is on loan.

Discussing his available funds, Bruce yesterday said: "Things are ongoing. If good players become available, that can benefit the squad, then we are looking at all areas of the pitch. It would be nice to bring in a defender, midfielder and striker. But if the right players don't become available, then I'll wait until the summer."

As regards Forssell, Bruce said: "Nothing has gone any further, but if Chelsea give us the green light about Mikael being for sale, then we will act."

The midfielder, Darren Carter, is finally set to resolve his future with a new three-and-a-half year contract at the club.