Birmingham manager Steve Bruce has admitted he wants to sign on loan Chelsea midfielder Jiri Jarosik on a permanent basis in the summer.

Bruce revealed there is an agreement in place with the Premiership leaders to retain Jarosik's services subject to the agreement of all parties and City remaining in the Premiership.

Jarosik initially struggled to adapt to the work-rate and direct style of play employed by Bruce compared to the silky skills at Stamford Bridge.

But the Czech international has gradually made an increasing impact and is the club's leading scorer with seven goals despite being used in various positions.

Bruce said: 'Might Jiri have a long term future at Birmingham? Yes. There is a deal in place with Chelsea, all being well, to make the deal permanent.

'Both parties and the player have to be agreeing with that in the summer for it to happen. I'd like to keep him. We have to stay up that's for sure.'

Bruce confirmed that a similar deal lies in place regarding another on loan midfielder in Newcastle's Nicky Butt.

Bruce said: 'Nicky is the same sort of thing as Jiri. If we stay up, there is a proviso for a deal to be done with Newcastle.'

Butt upset Bruce when he recently walked out of the team hotel after not being included in the 16 for the Premiership clash at West Ham.

But he has responded in a positive manner after being disciplined and was one of City's best players in last Saturday's 1-0 home success over Sunderland.