Source: Daily_Mail
Alex McLeish makes improved bid for Charles N'Zogbia
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has confirmed the club have made an improved bid for Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia. [LNB]The Scot is a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old France international, who seems destined for a move from the DW Stadium after his attitude was questioned by Latics boss Roberto Martinez. [LNB]McLeish would not be drawn on the size of the offer, although Blues have already had an £8million bid rejected, and says he is now waiting on a response from their Premier League rivals. [LNB] Keeping up the chase: Birmingham boss McLeish is keen to land N'Zogbia (left)[LNB]He said: 'We have made another bid for Charles and we wait to see if it's successful or not. [LNB]'We're awaiting Wigan's response. At the same time we're in the hands of the gods in terms of the other offers. [LNB]'If there are other clubs in for him, then we have to wait and see. But we've tried - and we've tried our best. [LNB]'The board have worked hard to make these kind of things happen.'[LNB] Sunderland, managed by former Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, have also been linked with a move for the former Newcastle player, who was left out of the opening day 4-0 defeat against Blackpool after Martinez criticised his attitude. [LNB]Italian duo Juventus and Fiorentina are also reportedly interested. [LNB]Not giving up: Birmingham chief McLeish[LNB]However, the Wigan boss has dismissed reports of a rift between the pair and introduced N'Zogbia as a substitute in the closing stages of Tuesday night's 3-0 Carling Cup second round win at Hartlepool. [LNB]McLeish admitted N'Zogbia is just one of several targets - but is not considering any of them a done deal. [LNB]He added: 'There are a few other players. Again, it's difficult getting them over the line. That's going to be the hardest part. [LNB]'The deadline comes on Tuesday at 5pm and I'm sure it will be a mad scramble again. Getting players in place is going to be the most difficult thing. [LNB]'I don't have to name my 25-man squad until after the window closes, so that will be dictated by players who arrive or don't arrive.'[LNB] The Scot is expected to make several changes for tomorrow's televised Carling Cup second round home match against Rochdale, giving the opportunity to several youngsters to make an impression. [LNB]One player who definitely will not figure is veteran striker Kevin Phillips, who could be out for another month with a thigh problem picked up before the start of the campaign.[LNB] Birmingham 2 Blackburn 1: McLeish and am Allardyce hail Foster displaySign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsHartlepool 0 Wigan 3: Gomez and Moses ease pressure on Martinez BIRMINGHAM CITY FC
