BLACKBURN Rovers may have to play a game of patience in their pursuit of David Dunn because Birmingham City have slapped a £2 million price tag on the midfielder's head.

Blues boss Steve Bruce is eager to recoup as much of the £5.5 million transfer fee he paid Rovers for Dunn three and a half years ago, but unless he significantly lowers his demands then an Ewood return in January for the 27-year-old could be in jeopardy.

Rovers thought they might be able to nick Dunn for less than half of what Birmingham are believed to be demanding, based on the player's recent injury record and the fact that he's out of contract in the summer.

However, Bruce is digging his heels in and he's determined not to sell the player back to Rovers on the cheap because of the bad blood that exists between the two clubs.

Birmingham still bear a grudge over the way the whole Robbie Savage saga was played out two years ago, and they would much prefer to sell Dunn to another club, rather than back to Rovers for less than half of the fee they paid for him.

But with Manchester City thought to be the only other club in for Dunn, the Blues may eventually have to swallow their pride and try and get what they can for the player in the January window, otherwise they run the risk of losing him for nothing at the end of the season.

Rovers are therefore prepared to play a waiting game, knowing that Birmingham are more likely to cut their losses the later it gets in the window.

The Blues have already admitted that a return to the North West for Dunn, where he can be nearer to his family, may be in the best interests of all parties.

However, Bruce is trying to play hard ball in a last-ditch attempt to save face.