Michel set to complete Blues move

The Birmingham City spending spree is set to begin with the signing of long-standing target Michel after a £3million fee was agreed with Sporting Gijon.

Blues expect to have the 24-year-old midfielder in their possession next week, after the Spanish top-flight club last night announced a deal had been struck.

La Liga Gijon will say goodbye to today before their captain departs for England, then all that remains if for Michel to pass a medical before he can be unveiled at St Andrew's.

Boss Alex McLeish is delighted with the prospect of getting his man after over a year of pursuit.

He said: "Michel is a holding midfielder in much the same way as we play Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer. He is very comfortable on the ball and has good quality, good legs and is a player for now but also the future.

"I wanted to sign players of quality during January and he fits the bill. We've watched Michel for over a year and a bit now. We need to try and get this one over the line, but it looks likely now."

In the immediate future, McLeish has still to decide whether to pursue his interest in midfielder Giles Barnes, who has been training with Blues after being released by Derby earlier in the season.

The manager may have to act quickly, with other potential suitors lying in wait.

McLeish said: "I believe other clubs are interested in having a look at him, but we will speak to him tomorrow and see what he wants to do.

"Giles is a good player, has got a good idea about the game, a bit of vision. There's potential there."