Birmingham are poised to sign striker Erik Huseklepp on loan from cash-strapped Championship rivals Portsmouth.

Huseklepp: In talks with Birmingham

Struggling Portsmouth, who went into administration last week, are keen to slash their costs and they are ready to offload Huseklepp to reduce their wage bill.

Huseklepp joined Portsmouth in the summer from Bari and he has scored six goals in 27 appearances in the Championship this season.

Birmingham have moved to take advantage of Portsmouth's financial problems by lining up a deal to take the Norway international on loan with a view to a permanent move as they look to maintain their push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Huseklepp's agent, Tore Pedersen, confirmed a deal was close to being done to bring the 27-year-old to St Andrew's.

"I can confirm that Erik is on his way to Birmingham now," Pedersen told TV2 Sport.

"This is a new step in the career of Erik.

"Birmingham is a top club who want to strengthen the team to win promotion to the Premier League again."