'I'm getting backing to boost squad', says McLeish

Alex McLeish insists he is still being backed in the transfer market by Birmingham owner Carson Yeung despite concerns over the club’s financial state.

There have been reports recently that City’s parent company – Grandtop International Holdings Limited – could be on the verge of collapse with substantial debts.

But Yeung is continuing to give his financial support to McLeish, who is stepping up his bid to sign Wigan winger Charles N’Zogbia.

The former Scotland boss 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 confirmedsigning 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 on Tuesday.

“Getting medicals in place is going to be the most difficult thing, it being a bank holiday on Monday.”