Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish after midfield maestro

Jul 11 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BLUES search for another midfielder is stepping up, according to David Sullivan.

They have ‘eight balls in the air’ the co-owner said, referring to the various options under consideration.

Alex McLeish this week reiterated his view that the squad was still not strong enough for the Premier League.

And Sullivan said that more signings should be on their way to St Andrew’s, with a schemer a high priority.

“We are looking to strengthen the team further and, for a midfielder, we’ve got eight balls in the air at the moment,” he revealed.

“We are working hard and hopefully one or two things will be resolved in the coming days.”

Joey Barton on loan from Newcastle United looks more unlikely by the day.

Blues would prefer to take Arsenal defender Armand Traore as their second domestic temporary transfer.

The free transfer of Lee Bowyer was completed on Wednesday, but a different type of midfielder is required by the manager. Someone who can ‘take and pass’ the ball.

Villa’s pursuit of Fabian Delph could have repercussions for Craig Gardner’s future, who Blues have been eyeing.

And McLeish has been looking abroad in Europe.

Blues head to Austria a week tomorrow for their pre-season tour and ideally he would like to have a player in by then.

From within the ranks, Keith Fahey is a creative talent and comfortable in possession.

Whether McLeish persists with him in a wide left role, or tries him in the central areas, remains to be seen.

McLeish admitted that he was looking forward to seeing how the Irishman adapted to the Premier League.

“We are short in midfield,” said McLeish. “We need more investment there and the board have pledged their support.