BIRMINGHAM City today looked set to win the race for David Dunn - despite late interest from Middlesbrough boss Steve McLaren.

City finally had a £5.5 million bid accepted by Rovers last night following a summer long chase for the England midfielder.

And the player was due in the Midlands this morning to begin talks over personal terms.

But McLaren may still try to hijack the Blues' attempts to take him to St Andrews after Rovers admitted there has been late interest from another club.

"There has been some other interest but we've had no other offers," said chief executive John Williams this morning.

Dunn is now resigned to leaving Rovers following his public fall-out with Graeme Souness and he has already privately admitted he would fancy a switch to St Andrews.

Birmingham remain confident they will still get their man.

Bruce made the 23-year-old his top summer target and the Blues are prepared to offer him a five-year deal in excess of £25,000 a week.

Chief executive Karren Brady will be left to conduct talks over personal terms as Bruce is currently on holiday in Barbados, although the Blues boss is likely to speak to the player by phone.

"Until the ink is dry on a contract, you never know," said City's first team coach Mark Bowen.

"I've heard about Middlesbrough coming in but to be honest, as far as we are concerned, we are confident the deal can be tied up.

"Knowing the way Steve acts and how persuasive he can be, I'm confident we can conclude the transfer very soon."

As I understand it, Boro boss McLaren has asked to be kept actively informed of any developments but the fact that City remain the only club to have tabled a firm offer puts them firmly in the driving seat.

Former Rovers star, Damien Johnson, believes the Blues will have pulled off a major coup if they end up luring Dunn to St Andrews.

"If David comes here it would be an unbelievable signing for us," said the Blues midfielder.

"He's been linked with all the big clubs in the past and to be honest I'm surprised that the top three or four haven't come in for him because he wouldn't look out of place with one of them.

"I've known about our interest for quite a while and, yes, we have talked and he has asked questions about the club.

"He knows how much I've enjoyed it since I came here. I'm not saying that has anything to do with it but he seems very keen to join us, which is good from our point of view."

Johnson has also dismissed claims that his former Ewood pal is a 'playboy' following public criticism from Souness.

"I think he was hard done by in terms of some of the things that were said," added Johnson.

"Of all the players I've known, Dunny is nowhere near as bad as some are making him out.

"He keeps himself in good shape, he loves his football, and all the other stuff has been blown out of proportion."