Birmingham City: Alex McLeish sets out for several new signings

Jul 31 2010 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

“I’ve even seen comments from someone like Harry Redknapp to Daniel Levy along the lines of ‘we must spend bigger or we end up flops’ – and they got into the Champions League.

“Wolves have invested heavily this summer and I’m sure someone like Tony Pulis at Stoke City will spend a few bob to make sure they consolidate after two tremendous seasons.”

Blues – at Derby County today (3pm) and Northampton Town tomorrow (2pm) – have fired off plenty of offers this summer.

McLeish’s interest in Charles N’Zgobia, Moussa Dembele, Aiden McGeady, Paul Konchesky and Nathan Clyne has been strong and well documented.

He has also tried and failed for Bobby Zamora, Carlton Cole and Fabrizio Miccoli, for various reasons.

McLeish has also admitted that the loan market could be an option, both domestically and abroad.

Barcelona are trying to off-load Alexsandr Hleb and McLeish has put him under consideration, but massive wage demands are likely to scupper any move there.

Eidur Gudjohnsen, who spent the second-half of last season on loan to Spurs from Monaco, has been linked with Blues yet McLeish has not given his representatives any encouragement.

In yesterday’s Birmingham Mail, Yeung admitted he would like up to four players for his ‘target team’ this term.

McLeish added: “Last season was a special one for the club. But it’s often said that in this Premier League you’ve got spend just to try and stand still.

‘‘We want to progress and the competition is getting harder and harder.”