Alex McLeish wants reinforcements at Birmingham for relegation battle

John Curtis,Pa
Thursday 30 December 2010 11:20 EST
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Alex McLeish is looking to bring in a maximum of two players during January to enhance Birmingham's hopes of climbing clear of relegation trouble.

Blues remain in a dogfight near the foot of the table despite impressive recent results that include victory over Chelsea and a draw with Manchester United.

McLeish has stressed the need for City to be more clinical in front of goal.

He has been linked with moves for Tottenham's Robbie Keane, Cardiff's Jay Bothroyd and, on loan, Liverpool's Ryan Babel.

But, while not commenting on specific names, McLeish has clear targets in mind.

He said: "I can't give you names or comment on individuals but we certainly have players on the radar.

"We have targets that we want to bring in to enhance our chances of climbing up the table.

"We are talking about maybe a couple of players, probably two at the most."

McLeish hopes to have news on the future of winger Sebastian Larsson, who will face his former club Arsenal on Saturday, in the next week.

Blues are still in negotiations with the Sweden international whose current contract runs out next summer.

McLeish said: "There is no news as yet. We will hopefully be able to say something next week of sorts.

"We are still in a negotiation process at the moment."

Blues have always given a good account of themselves against Arsene Wenger's team and shared the spoils in the corresponding fixture last season.

McLeish still has realistic ambitions for Birmingham's aims in 2011 and would sacrifice possible glory in the Carling Cup - where City face West Ham in the semi-finals - for another season in the top flight.

He said: "The realistic aspiration for 2011 is the same as since we came back in the Premier League, to finish in the top 17, and that would do us very nicely.

"We've got the League Cup as well but our priority is the Barclays Premier League.

"If you are saying, 'Win the cup but you will relegated' I wouldn't thank you for that.

"We would prefer it the other way around."

McLeish has no fresh injury problems for the visit of the Gunners and could name an unchanged side after the impressive performance against the Red Devils.

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