West Ham are closing in on Birmingham striker Christian ‘Chucho’ Benitez after having a second bid for Everton striker Yakubu turned down by the Merseysiders.

THE Christian Benitez ‘should he stay, should he go?’ debate has divided opinion among Bluenoses as much as the even more drawn-out saga surrounding his namesake at Anfield has nationally.

West Ham may be ready to offer rejected Birmingham City loan star Christian Benitez the return to the Premier League he craves.

Birmingham are set to offer Kevin Phillips a new deal after opting against signing Christian Benitez.

ALEX McLeish last night admitted that Blues would probably try to negotiate a better price for Christian Benitez.

On-loan Birmingham striker Christian Benitez scored his first home goal as Alex McLeish’s side topped the 50-point mark for the campaign with a 2-1 victory against already-relegated Burnley.

Sunderland have joined West Ham United in the chase to sign Ecuadorian striker Christian Benitez (24), who is poised to leave Birmingham City in the summer.

Birmingham insist they will have the final say on the future of on-loan striker Christian Benitez.

Alex McLeish will make a decision on whether to sign Christian Benitez in the next few weeks but he’s ruled out a second season loan.

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