Blues would consider Chinese stars

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is tempted to sign Chinese players - but only if they are good enough.

The manager knows recruiting Asian players could benefit Blues as they aim to become a global brand.

They return from their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and China tonight after winning all three of their games.

And McLeish would be tempted to dip into the Far East market - if it was in the club's interest.

He said: "I need more information from Sammy Yu (Birmingham's football consultant) but I am willing to explore the market.

"There has obviously got to be a commercial business in it as well as a talent pool. You look at the guys in the past from the Far East who have been great ambassadors for Asia.

"Nakata played in England and Serie A and there's been a couple of Chinese guys at Celtic like Zheng Zhi."

Carson Yeung's ownership of Blues gives them the edge over their rivals if they want to tap into the Asian market.

The board know it would be unfair to buy a player purely for marketing purposes and McLeish insisted if he went in for anyone they would have to be the best.

He said: "Because of our Asia contacts we should be spreading the net out there and getting them younger.

"But if there were any out there now they would have to be good enough to be able to play week in, week out in the Premier League."

Blues plan to open football academies in Hong Kong and China along, with player and coach exchanges.

They now go to Derby County on Saturday with James McFadden available, after the attacker missed their Far East tour as his wife was due to give birth.

Striker Cameron Jerome missed their penultimate training session with a groin injury, but should return at Pride Park.