Final Charles N'Zogbia bid set to fail

Birmingham today appeared to have failed in a £9million bid for Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia.

Blues lodged their improved bid in the hope it would finally snare N'Zogbia in "a big statement of our intentions," but his club are understood to have turned the offer down.

McLeish hinted the offer was likely to be their last for the 24-year-old.

He said: "If this doesn't happen, we have to move on to our next target quickly."

N'Zogbia was left out of Wigan's opening day defeat to Blackpool, fuelling speculation that he would leave the DW Stadium before the summer transfer window closes, but he started against Chelsea on Saturday and also featured as a second-half substitute against Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

And Sunderland are also interested in signing the 24-year-old.

The news comes as McLeish insists he is still being backed in the transfer market by owner Carson Yeung despite concerns over the club's financial state.

There have been reports recently that Blues' parent company - Grandtop International Holdings Limited - could be on the verge of collapse with substantial debts.

He said: "I don't know the ins and outs of the business side. That's for the board to discuss publicly - not me. But I have asked for some help in bringing new players in and it's been given.

"I'm getting backing to try to enhance the squad before the transfer window shuts and that's what interests me more than anything else."

McLeish confirmed a left-back was a priority in addition to trying to complete the N'Zogbia deal.

He said: "There are a few we are interested in but it's difficult getting them over the line. That's going to be the hardest part with the deadline coming next Tuesday.

"Getting medicals in place is going to be the most difficult thing, it being a Bank Holiday on Monday."