Birmingham: Please be King joking!

Birmingham have been linked with a January move for Watford striker Marlon King - as have Fulham, Wigan, Derby, Middlesbrough and Sunderland!

Such a long list often suggests lazy journalism, agents stirring up interest or a combination of both, but let's be clear - King may look like a great player in the Championship but he would quickly be found out in the Premier League.

According to SkySports.com, Watford are "bracing themselves for a fight" to keep King - who apparently could command a staggering £6million asking price. Well, £600,000 and a place on the bench when required might just make sense, but £6million seems rather excessive.

Amusingly, the whispers on the street in the summer suggested Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill planned to sign King but had to make do with the world-class Marlon Harewood instead.

King has managed to score 10 goals in 20 games so far this season, but it could be argued the 27-year-old's career peaked about five years ago with lowly Gillingham. Fans who saw him back then would not believe he could be touted around for £6million a few years later.

At least the reported (and, quite frankly, pathetic) £3-4million Alex McLeish apparently has to spend next month will not stretch far enough to a striker who should realise the grass is far greener where he already is!

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