McLeish will not be held to ransom

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish will not bow to inflated January prices but admits his club are becoming a victim of their own success.

The Blues boss is expected to spend in the transfer window and made his first signing with the £3million capture of Michel from Sporting Gijon last night.

McLeish is believed to be keen on Hull's Stephen Hunt and has also been linked with an £11million move for Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones.

But, ahead of tonight's FA Cup third round replay at St Andrew's with Nottingham Forest, the Scot is adamant his club will not pay over the odds.

He said: "There are a few clubs who are desperate for cash, we know that. Prices will be inflated at the beginning and they start to see sense towards the end of January.

"I would love to continue to be a victim of our own success if this team keeps performing the way they are. We relish that – that's the new challenge for us. Long may that continue."

McLeish is believed to have been handed a transfer war chest by owner Carson Yeung, as Blues continue their assault on the Premier League which has seen them rise to eighth.

But the manager reiterated there will be no haste in his approach.

He said: "Carson is an honest guy and if there's £20m to spend I'm sure he means that. I probably need to bring in four or five players to get through that money, I'm certainly not going to spend it on one player because I don't think we're ready to take that step.

"I know if Birmingham keep improving we're going to have to bring in players, wages will increase, players here will want higher wages and new contracts."

McLeish also revealed there have been enquiries for some of his players, but insists it is up to them if they want to leave in search of first team football.

He said: "I've had a couple of enquiries about players on loan and it's something I'll consider, but it's up to the players."