Former Arsenal star Robert Pires claims both Birmingham and Leicester are keen to bring him back to England.

The midfielder is available on a free transfer after running down his contract with Spanish outfit Villarreal and both the Blues and Foxes have expressed an interest in doing a deal.

Birmingham should be favourites as they could offer him Premiership football but Pires says the challenge of getting Leicester promoted could also tempt him.

The 36-year-old revealed: "There's a few big English teams chasing me. I'm told Leicester and Birmingham have made serious enquiries.

"I still think I can play in the Premier League but the challenge of getting a team like Leicester promoted is very appealing, especially with maybe two seasons left in my legs.

"If the right kind of club expresses an interest, I have no problem going over and doing a pre-season so they can have a closer look at me."