WANDERERS look set to frustrate Birmingham City in their bid to take defender Danny Shittu on loan.

The Championship title-chasers have enquired about bringing the Nigerian international to St Andrew’s until the end of the season.

But with his squad short on numbers, The Bolton News understands Gary Megson is unlikely to agree to Alex McLeish’s request – for the time being at least.

Shittu has made only sporadic appearances for Wanderers this season, starting seven games.

He was brought back into the side just after Christmas to cover for the injured Gary Cahill, but after a three-game stint, found himself back on the substitute’s bench.

Despite the 28-year-old making several public statements to the contrary, rumours have persisted that he is looking for a way out of the Reebok, just seven months after his £2million arrival from Watford.

Wanderers have so far rejected the only concrete offer, from Derby County, to take him on loan.

McLeish has openly declared that he is in the market for a centre-half, and having been in the PFA Championship team last season, Shittu certainly fits the bill.

Megson recruited Sebastien Puygrenier in the transfer window but still looks set to resist the recent offer from Birmigham.