Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham boss McLeish wants Boyd and Gardner to continue fine form
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has confirmed his interest in signing Rangers striker Kris Boyd. And he is closing in on the signature of Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner in a £3.5 million deal. [LNB]McLeish is normally reluctant to talk about potential transfer targets but he admitted it 'could be possible to do some business' regarding Boyd who is out of contract in the summer. [LNB]It is understood McLeish would favour Boyd signing a pre-contract with Blues before the January transfer window closes. [LNB] One of the Boyd's: McLeish wants the Rangers' striker to join him at Birmingham[LNB]The 26-year-old played under McLeish during his spell in charge ofScotland. If Boyd moves to St Andrew's, he will be reunited with hisformer Rangers and Scotland team-mate Barry Ferguson who has been givea new leash of life under McLeish. [LNB]McLeish said: 'I can't confirm we have made any offer for anyone. It is not fair to talk about players at other clubs. [LNB]Target: Aston Villa's Craig Gardner [LNB][LNB]'But Boyd is out of contract in the summer and it is possible wecould do some business there - but I am not committing myself.' [LNB]Boyd was also linked with a move to Aston Villa but the Carling Cupfinalists have distanced themselves from making a move for the formerKilmarnock player. McLeish is a big admirer of Gardner who is keen toleave Villa to secure regular first team football.[LNB]An initial bid - believed to be around £3 million - was rejected byVilla but McLeish is optimistic a deal will be struck sooner ratherthan later. [LNB]McLeish said: 'We are waiting for the go ahead from the bosses (atBirmingham) in terms of the final sanction but we are pretty close to adeal. [LNB]'Craig is a player who can perform in a number of positions and aplayer like that is worth his weight in gold in terms of squadstrength.' [LNB] McLeish refused to comment on whether he is still interested insigning Liverpool striker Ryan Babel, who has healed his rift with Redsboss Rafael Benitez.[LNB] Hull City and West Ham join the chase for Rangers striker Kris BoydLeicester City swoop for out-of-favour Birmingham defender Martin TaylorTangerine dream: Birmingham and Wigan told to pay £5m for AdamBIRMINGHAM CITY FC
