Gold claims that Larsson will only leave the club 'over my dead body', with both Blackburn and Newcastle believed to be interested in his services.

Manager Alex McLeish is facing a battle to retain the services of his leading players following Blues' relegation from the Premier League on the final day of last season.

And Per Jonsson is unhappy that the midfielder is not being given the opportunity to move away from the Midlands outfit.

He told Sportbladet: "It's not funny to hear when he (Gold) says things like that.

"Are we Swedes being punished because we are kind and don't nag to leave?

"Do you need to become enemies with everyone at the club to be allowed to leave?

"He has said things like this before and still sold players anyway.

"Maybe Birmingham will get an offer they can't refuse. I hope it will be solved."