West Brom, Swansea and Bournemouth were all interested in the 36-year old, but Terry is reluctant to play against Chelsea, where he spent two decades as a player.

Terry's contract at Stamford Bridge expires in three days' time, though the departing Blues skipper has uploaded social media posts showing himself in pre-season at the club's Cobham training ground.

Birmingham manager Harry Redknapp had confirmed an offer to Terry had been made and admitted he had been trying to persuade the player into a move to St Andrew's when the pair took part in Michael Carrick's testimonial earlier in June.

Redknapp told Talksport: "I had a chat with him [Terry] and said to him come in - he's doing his coaching badges - have a year or two and who knows what he wants to do in the future?"

Terry has since posted pictures playing golf with Bruce, as well as workout videos with the Villa boss' son, Alex.