BIRMINGHAM City are now heading the chase for the services of Swindon Town hotshot Nicky Ajose, according to reports.

The future of Ajose, who scored 25 goals in all competitions last season, has been at the centre of much attention this summer, with the former Manchester United trainee's County Ground exploits attracting interest from further up the Football League ladder.

Preston North End, Bristol City and Bolton are also rumoured to have expressed interest in the 24-year-old with Birmingham now having apparently joined the chase.

Town chairman Lee Power previously revealed that Town had already turned down one bid of £500,000 from an unnamed Championship club for the frontman, but has admitted that every player has his price.

Ajose still has two years left on his deal at Swindon but has previously spoken of his desire to try to cut his teeth at a higher level again.

Power said earlier this month: “We have got other interest from the Championship, so we have turned that down. It didn’t meet our valuation. We will just have to see how things progress between now and the start of the season.

“Obviously, we want to keep Nicky. By turning that bid down it shows that we do.

“Like anything, though, everyone has got a price. It’s the same for the people that we are trying to purchase and look at. We will just have to see how that develops.”