Striker Nikola Zigic looks set to re-sign for Birmingham City, but they'll have to get the Serbian International a work permit first, reports the Birmingham Mail.

Zigic was linked with Arsenal at the beginning of the season, but now he looks set to sign for the Blues again, under new boss Gary Rowett.

There could be problems with the deal though, as Zigic doesn't meet Football Association  criteria, and they'll have to ask for special dispensation to sign him.

Rowett points out that a deal may not happen at all, as they prepare their case for the FA.

He told the Birmingham Mail: “We are trying to come to an agreement. I think both parties want to try to make something happen – which is important.

“We have obviously got to navigate his work permit so whatever we decide at the moment is going to be dependent on that.

“Hopefully we can put a good case forward - the fact he has been here for the last four years and a player of high quality.

“We are in the hands of the FA or whoever decides it and we are hopeful we can get something sorted.

“There is a clear desire from both parties to get something done.

“Like I have said before I think he will bring something different to us, that’s what we are looking at - we want ‘different’ in the building and not similar players to what we have got.

“We are hoping to maybe see if we can get something done before next weekend but I wouldn’t be remiss enough to suggest what’s going to happen, it will take as long as it’s going to take.”

The Blues currently lie in 17th position in the Sky Bet Championship table, having amassed 22 points from 19 league games. The team have seen distinct resurgence in form since Gary Rowett replaced Lee Clark at the club, with the Midlands club unbeaten in their last five games.