Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has been forced to defend the sale of Fabrice Muamba to Premier League side Bolton.

The highly-rated defensive midfielder completed his move to the Reebok Stadium on Monday, for a fee of £5million rising by another £750,000 with various add-ons.

The consensus among some is that this did not represent a great deal for the club.

The player’s first club Arsenal will receive a 30 per cent of the profit made on the 20-year-old, as part of a sell on clause in place since the player moved to St Andrews in 2007.

McLeish stated last week that he believed “someone would have to be sacrificed” after the club’s relegation from the Premier League and, through his comments, it may be that Muamba was not that keen to leave.

McLeish said: “In the end it was an offer we could not refuse. It was a good move for him and good business for Birmingham City.

“But in losing him I now have to make sure I can get the midfield as strong as I can.

“It is important to bring in someone who I can think can enhance the team.”

The Blues are unlikely to have great oceans of cash to spend on a replacement.

The likes of Sean Davis, who has been told he can leave Portsmouth, and Austria’s Euro 2008 midfielder Jurgen Samuel have been linked.

Both would be available for around £1million.