Michel may be too dear for Birmingham City

Aug 10 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

MICHEL remains prime in Alex McLeish’s mind.

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But any deal depends on the Blues boss levering extra finances from the board, and whether other midfield targets come into the reckoning.

Blues got a first hand look at the Spanish schemer when his Sporting Gijon side came to St Andrew's for a friendly on Saturday.

Gijon are thought to be willing to do business and rate Michel at 4 million euros down, plus 1 million euros in add-ons.

Said McLeish: "I thought he was very comfortable. He's an elegant player, he has good athleticism and he's a young, exciting talent.

"We have to see what happens the next few days. I will speak to the chairman and the board and we will see where the finances are.

"Michel is obviously a guy we like and we have seen other guys also. So now I have to make my mind up.

"It depends on Sporting, how much they are asking."

McLeish, who also retains strong interest in Villa's Craig Gardner, continued: "We have been tracking players for a long time and, whether finances are available to me or not, Michel is a candidate.

"He has terrific touch. Their whole team has got decent touch and they pass it well, but he's clearly got ability and is one we like."

McLeish also wants a new left-back and is considering options at centre-half to cover for the spate of injuries in that position.

On the left-back issue, he said: "It's so difficult for the team with the lop-sidedness of right-footers playing there.

"It's a shame that Stuart Parnaby has had to play there, a shame that Jared Wilson has had to play there. But needs must and the guys filled in for us, but we get more from a natural leftie in terms of going forward, and that's important for us."