Lee Bowyer and Christian Benitez expected to sign for Birmingham City this morning

Jul 7 2009 Exclusive By Colin Tattum

And the initial outlay is not expected to be anywhere near the £6.2 million down payment originally planned.

The knee problem, thought to be structural, came just as much of a shock to Benitez, his representatives and his club as it did to Blues.

There had been no inkling and he has not missed any games in his career up to this point due to it.

Benitez made it clear he was desperate to sign and Blues said they were prepared to give him a chance, hence the proposal of redrafted terms.

Joey Barton remains on Blues’ radar, but they are not going all out to bring him to St Andrew’s.

That’s because they are only allowed one more loan at present due to Joe Hart signing for the season from Manchester City.

McLeish is weighing up a temporary move for Arsenal defender Armand Traore, and seems to be leaning more that way.

It is understood Blues would be willing to part-fund Barton’s £64,000-a-week wages, but not stump up for them entirely.

A straight transfer is not an option at this stage either as Blues are wary of his disciplinary misdemeanours.

They would prefer to have him at close quarters on loan, providing an option to bale out if necessary.

And the indications from the North East are that Barton would prefer to stay on Tyneside.