McLeish eyes Ferguson as Celtic miss out on Fortune

Published on Saturday 27 June 2009 19:40

BIRMINGHAM City's interest in signing Barry Ferguson has been rekindled after manager Alex McLeish was alerted to the Rangers midfielder's availability.

McLeish believes the Ibrox side are ready to sell their deposed captain, who is the sort of player he is looking for as they embark on a campaign in the English Premier League.

"Barry is definitely someone that we have given consideration to, amongst others," McLeish told Sky Sports News. "I don't want to commit myself right away to the midfield situation because there is still a wee bit to go, a little bit of work to be done. We hope to bring in a midfielder of real quality, who can go anywhere in the league and not be fazed by taking the ball.

"We have others in the pipeline that we have been working hard on. Ferguson has come late in the day in terms of knowing that he is now available. But we are not making our mind up right now."

Celtic look set to lose out on Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune to Hull City. New Parkhead manager Tony Mowbray was understood to be keen to make the 27-year-old his first signing, but the player is likely to opt for Hull instead.

Nancy sporting director Nicolas Holveck said: "He has had permission to speak to clubs, but the most advanced discussions, and the team that is very close to signing him, is Hull City. It's highly possible a deal will be agreed over the weekend and, while these things can change at the last minute, Hull are the clear favourites."

Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor could be an option for AC Milan if their bid to sign Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko fails.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said: "We continue to follow Dzeko. At the moment he is not for sale but if Wolfsburg change their mind I'm ready to head to Germany immediately. Adebayor and Sevilla's Luis Fabiano could be alternatives but there have been no talks even if there has been a phone call about the Togolese with Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger."

England under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has urged his youngsters to show "guts" against old adversaries Germany in the European Championship final in Malmo tomorrow.