Upson Going Nowhere

Bruce has revealed that both Upson and Jesper Gronkjaer were asked to play in a friendly between Barcelona and a World XI in Spain on Tuesday night but that he turned down that offer for fear of injuries to the Blues pair just days before a difficult away trip to Arsenal.

However, contrary to reports, Bruce has confirmed that neither Newcastle or Barcelona have made any approach for the England international centre-back.

Upson is set to begin improved contract negotiations with Blues, a clause in his contract states that he is entitled to to talks over a new deal once he has made 60 league appearances for the club. He is likely to reach this milestone when he plays in the game against his former club at Highbury on Saturday afternoon.

Upson's present deal at St Andrew's still as 18 months to run.

As I've said before to sell such an important player, especially half-way through a season, would be nothing short of catastrophic!