Gareth Bale is said to be the first capture in the New Birmingham project.

McLeish has been promised £40m to spend by his new boss -  Carson Yeung. So the coach is waisting no more time to search for deals.

The Spurs defender will be allowed to move on, as he spent miserable two years at White Heart Line.

Bale, who was signed by Martin Jol for an initial £5m from Southampton has made only one league start this season.

Other Birmingham targets are Sporting Gijon Schemer Michel and Rangers striker Kris Boyd.