Scots top wanted list for McLeish in January

Published on Wednesday 5 December 2007 00:56

NEW Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has indicated his desire to recruit players from north of the Border as he looks to strengthen his squad when the transfer window opens next month.

The former Rangers and Scotland manager, who moved south last week with assistants Andy Watson and Roy Aitken, said: "I would like to bring in trusted players. It just depends if the target is available or if we can afford the target.

"There is no doubt I would like to bring in players I have worked with or players I have seen that I would like to work with. We definitely have things down on paper.

"I would hope to get value for money, I know it can be done and we have to spread the net as far as possible. Agents have already been getting in touch with players and already I have a couple in mind I think might be useful."

When he was unveiled as the new Birmingham manager, McLeish declared himself satisfied with the budget which will be placed at his disposal, and he added: "Having money to spend will certainly be new to me.

"I'm not sure there will be huge funds in January but, if we can make a fist of it in the Premier League, then next summer will be very interesting. But, whatever I get in January, I will make the most of it."

McLeish is already is attempting to keep on-loan Arsenal central defender Johan Djourou for the remainder of the season.

Djourou initially joined Birmingham in the summer with a view to him returning to North London in January. Arsenal manager Arsne Wenger wanted to keep his options open with Djourou as Kolo Toure will be on African Nations Cup duty.

McLeish will try to retain the player and, if that fails, attempt to bring in another centre-back. He said: "Will I try and keep Djourou for the season? I would think that would be a target we would try and achieve.

"I know Arsne is mindful of the fact Toure is needed for the African Nations Cup. It is an obstacle we will have to try and overcome."