Birmingham keen to keep Benitez

Birmingham are keen to keep Ecuador striker Christian Benitez on loan for another season.

The 23-year-old has impressed for Birmingham since joining the club on loan last summer from Mexican side Santos Laguna.

Benitez has only scored three goals in 33 appearances for Birmingham and manager Alex McLeish is keen to extend the loan deal, rather than signing the striker in a £6.5million permanent switch.

West Ham, where former Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan is now in charge, are also reportedly interested in signing the striker.

Birmingham are expected to make several signings in the summer transfer market.

[Source: The Daily Mirror]