Exclusive: Star tipped for emotional Birmingham City exit - EFL clubs predicted to make move | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has spoken exclusively to Football League World about the forward's future with Blues as his contract enters its final months.

Lee Hendrie has weighed in on Lukas Jutkiewicz's future at Birmingham City, as the veteran striker's contract enters its final months.

The 36-year-old has spent the last nine years with Blues, having originally joined the club from Burnley on loan in the summer of 2016, before his deal was made a permanent one in January 2017.

However, his minutes this season have been limited, with the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May being trusted as the club's main strikers - leaving the Southampton-born ace to watch on from the sidelines.

Nevertheless, he will be more than impressed with the performances of his Birmingham teammates, as the West Midlands outfit close in on promotion back to the Championship after just one season in League One.

They are now 11 points clear of second-place Wrexham after a 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday evening, while they also have two games in hand over the Red Dragons. However, questions will be asked about the future of Jutkiewicz at St. Andrew's after a year of very few chances on the pitch.

Hendrie makes claim on Jutkiewicz's future

The forward has spent the last couple of years completing his coaching badges alongside his duties as a player, and former Blues captain Michael Morrison has stated previously his desire to manage the team in the future and have his ex-teammate by his side as his assistant.

However, it is clear that he still has a lot to offer on the grass given the right opportunity, and while his time in B9 may come to an end for now, other clubs may be interested in his services in the summer if he decides to continue.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Lee Hendrie has issued his thoughts on Jutkiewicz's future, and if teams up-and-down the EFL will target him for a move.

"He’s one of those players who I do think will depart from St. Andrew's, I really do," he started. "I think Birmingham are on a different road to him and they are certainly striving to go forward. He's been excellent for the football club for quite some time, and he’s proved his weight in gold at times.

"He's had to bide his time before he can get onto the pitch, and when he has done, you know, he's been a really good servant for Birmingham. But at that fine age of 36, you do feel that there will be someone else that will certainly take him, because I think certain clubs could play to his strengths."

Hendrie continued: "His strengths are certainly playing in the box, and he thrives off crosses. He's a good focal point for any side that could certainly be looking at taking him come the summer.

"I do think he will leave Birmingham, and I think he certainly will stay in the EFL at some level, whether it's the Championship or whether it's League One, that'll be the question. But I do feel that there will be a few Championship clubs who may be looking at what potential he could have and what he could bring to their clubs."

Jutkiewicz's future is in his own hands

While his time as a player at Birmingham looks to be coming to an end, the decision on whether he continues is solely up to him, and there will be plenty of clubs in the third tier that will be interested in him.

His experience could prove crucial to sides fighting at either end of the division, with the likes of Darren Pratley and David McGoldrick proving that age is just a number in League One and League Two respectively.

However, it would not be a surprise to see Jutkiewicz move into the coaching side of the game sooner rather than later, and he may choose to hang up his boots at the end of this season, with promotion back to the Championship the perfect way to end an excellent career.