Birmingham City transfer diary 21 December 2009 - 2 January 2010
Carson Yeung promised a transfer pot of £40m when he took over in the autumn - but that may have been the euphoria talking; Birmingham look good value to finish in the top half as things stand. If Yeung really wants to fund a push then with fourth place up for grabs would probably require a goalscoring target man, a bit of pace in central midfield and perhaps a bid for Joe Hart that Man City won't refuse.
Monday 21 December 2009
The Daily Mirror report that Birmingham City want to turn Joe Hart's loan switch from Manchester City into a permanent move although money isn't mentioned; also Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel (£2.5m) is close to arriving. Birmingham are linked to West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans - as are Aston Villa, Everton, Stoke City and Sunderland - but the Baggies say he isn't for sale; at which point you have to ask 'why is there such wide speculation then?'.
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Crystal Palace's teenage striker Victor Moses (£5m) is linked with dozens of potential purchasers including Birmingham, Roma, Barcelona, Liverpool, Real Oldbury, Arsenal, Tottenham, Sunderland, Fulham, Wednesbury Arms, Wigan and Hoffenheim according to the Daily Mail. In a rumour totally unconnected to any financial difficulties at the south London club.
Wednesday 23 December 2009
The Daily Mirror report that Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel is to become Birmingham City owner Carson Yeung's first signing.
Thursday 24 December 2009
Alex McLeish considers a walk in the snow - should he apply factor 50 or something a bit higher?
Friday 25 December 2009
McLeish is concerned by the heat given off by the oven in the kitchen - applies sun lotion.
Saturday 26 December 2009
Temperature dips below freezing, McLeish reaches for the Ambre Solaire.
Sunday 27 December 2009
The News of the World report that Birmingham like the look of stroppy Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia (£8m) and that former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan will pull the plug on West Ham takeover talks on January 7 if their audacious bid of next to nothing is rejected again.
Monday 28 December 2009
Temperature rises to -2 degrees - McLeish sheds jumper due to excessive heat.
Tuesday 29 December 2009
Birmingham are set to make German international striker Kevin Kuranyi the best paid player in the club's history according to the Daily Mirror; and The Sun link Blues with Peterborough striker Aaron McLean (£4m).
Wednesday 30 December 2009
The Sun links Blues with another striker, this time Blackburn's Benni McCarthy (£2m) and the Daily Mirror go again with the though that Birmingham will sign Joe Hart permanently for around £3.5m.Thursday 31 December 2009
Thursday 31 December 2009
Temperature drops again, McLeish reconsiders the jumper option - but eventually rejects it.
Friday 1 January 2009
The Sun start the new year with a double blow, Man City won't sell Joe Hart and record breaking Rangers striker Kris Boyd is staying in Glasggow.
The Daily Telegraph reports that McLeish wants two or three players with "character" rather than marquee signings - Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross are spotted in the Birmingham area - but he went on to say that he doesn't want to spend all £40m - Brand and Ross are spotted moving away at high speed.
Saturday 2 January 2010
The Daily Mirror report on two imminent signings; Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel (£2.5m) and Aston Villa's midfielder Craig Gardner (£3.5m). The Sun say that Blues are favourites to sign Peterborough striker Aaron McLean (£3m+) ahead of a clutch of other Premier League clubs.
