BIRMINGHAM boss Steve Bruce today underlined his determination to land Blackburn midfielder David Dunn.

Bruce has already had one offer rejected by Rovers for the England midfielder.

But the Blues boss is not prepared to take 'no' for an answer and he's thought to be lining up a new improved bid for his number one summer target.

"We made an offer to Blackburn which fell short of their valuation. We've since gone back into negotiations and we are talking to them again," said Bruce today.

"It seems we have hit a bit of a stalemate at the moment. We will keep monitoring the situation and see what develops over the next few days.

"But I think when you have a chance to bring in a player of David's quality you try and do all you can."

Bruce has made no bones about the fact that Dunn is his number one summer target.

And the St Andrews chief is ready to blow virtually his entire transfer budget on the 23-year-old after earmarking him as the man to transform the Blues into a top half Premiership force.

Everton and Middlesbrough remain interested in the former England Under 21 captain, too.

But the Blues are the only club to have come in with hard cash so far and Bruce has taunted his rivals by effectively saying 'put up or shut up.'

"Apart from the Ronaldinho and Manchester United thing, I think we are the only ones prepared to put our money where our mouth is," said Bruce.

"Credit should go to our board for backing me in this present financial climate.

"It's very, very difficult for clubs at the moment. The days of big transfer fees have passed but we are having a go."

City had a recent offer of £5.5 million rejected by Rovers because they were only prepared to pay £3 million of that up front.

But sources in the Midlands claim the Blues are now prepared to raise that figure to £4 million with a further £1.5 million to come based on them staying in the Premiership next season.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa fans have given a big thumbs down to any plans David O'Leary might have in regard to signing Dwight Yorke.

New boss O'Leary is reported to have asked about Yorke during a recent conversation with Rovers boss Graeme Souness.

But a poll amongst Villa fans has revealed that 80 per cent now hate the Rovers striker, who used to be a big hero on the Holte End before he left for Manchester United.

"Fans remember him kissing a Manchester United badge," said fan website editor Jonathan Fear.

"And in his last game for us against Everton he just stood there."

Bruce to pull out stops for Dunn