McLeish looking to foreign talent

McLeish wants to bounce straight back to the Premier League (Getty)

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says he has had some encouraging responses from potential transfer targets abroad.

McLeish has already made one signing so far this summer - Lee Carsley - as he reshapes his squad for next season.

"We have had to reassess one or two things. Players that would take us to another level in the Premier League now don't want to come," McLeish said

"But we have had some positive feedback from players who want to come to England," he added on the club website.

McLeish is realistic too that some of his potential targets may view a move to St Andrew's as a stepping stone to bigger things.

"Some of them would come with a view to getting into England and then getting into the Premier League, so there are still one or two irons in the fire from that point of view," he said.

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Despite needing to strengthen his squad for a shot at promotion back to the Premier League, McLeish knows he has to target the right sort of players.

"I think character is important," added McLeish. "I know the type I'm getting with Lee Carsley. I'm looking for players to play in this Birmingham team of his ilk and character whatever position they play in."