Jack Butland may be sold to balance Birmingham books

The 19-year-old England goalkeeper is being chased by several teams, most notably Liverpool, who are understood to have already been in talks with the Midlands outfit.

And though the Blues, who head to Bolton today, rejected a £6 million bid from Southampton for Butland in the summer, acting chairman Peter Pannu revealed that the cash-strapped club may not be able to resist such temptations next month.

“I can’t say that we are in a very wonderful situation, I would be lying if I said that,” said Pannu.

“Give me a £15m offer for Jack Butland, can I say no? I have rejected £6m from Southampton (in the summer) but I rejected it when our finances were OK.

“As the time is ticking, I might not be able to reject it if I get something similar.”

He added: “I do have a responsibility to keep the club running.

“My top priority now — and if I do offend anyone, I care not — is to make sure this clubs stays afloat.”