Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce hopes to sign on-loan Chelsea midfielder Jiri Jarosik to a permanent deal.
The 28-year-old Czech is on loan from Chelsea, but Birmingham have first option on him should the current champions opt to sell him.
"There is an option in our loan deal to have first refusal," said Bruce.
"We've got to stay in the Premiership. If we stay in the Premiership, we would like that that to happen."
Bruce has praised Jarosik's recent performances, following a difficult start to life in England.
"His goal record from midfield, with a team that has been in the bottom three most of the season, is superb," he said.
"The big factor is Jiri has become more accustomed to the English game. It has taken him a while. Any foreign player coming over here can struggle to adapt, even great players.
"The longer you are here, the more accustomed you become to playing it. That might be the case with Jiri.
"Yes, there are times when I could strangle him! But he tackles, can head, pass and also score a goal.
"He is very versatile. I think he has played centre-back in the Czech Republic. He has played defensive midfield, he has played on the left, on the right, as a striker.
"He is just a naturally good footballer."
The 28-year-old Czech is on loan from Chelsea, but Birmingham have first option on him should the current champions opt to sell him.
"There is an option in our loan deal to have first refusal," said Bruce.
"We've got to stay in the Premiership. If we stay in the Premiership, we would like that that to happen."
Bruce has praised Jarosik's recent performances, following a difficult start to life in England.
"His goal record from midfield, with a team that has been in the bottom three most of the season, is superb," he said.
"The big factor is Jiri has become more accustomed to the English game. It has taken him a while. Any foreign player coming over here can struggle to adapt, even great players.
"The longer you are here, the more accustomed you become to playing it. That might be the case with Jiri.
"Yes, there are times when I could strangle him! But he tackles, can head, pass and also score a goal.
"He is very versatile. I think he has played centre-back in the Czech Republic. He has played defensive midfield, he has played on the left, on the right, as a striker.
"He is just a naturally good footballer."
