Source: PA
Birmingham chase defensive pair
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish could add defenders Martin Jiranek and Armand Traore to his squad before the transfer window closes.
Press Association Sport understands the Blues have lodged an offer to sign 20-year-old Arsenal full-back Traore on loan until the end of the season, while Birmingham are thought to have begun negotiations with Russian side Spartak Moscow over a cut-price deal for versatile defender Jiranek, whose contract expires in December.
Traore, who saw a move to Benfica fall through recently, is Arsene Wenger's third-choice left-back at the Emirates Stadium, behind France international Clichy and highly-rated youngster Kieran Gibbs who made his England debut against Hungary earlier this month.
The Frenchman, who spent last season at Portsmouth, is also believed to be the subject of a bid from Juventus, who are keen to tie up a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Towering defender Jiranek, who can play at centre-back or full-back, would add further defensive steel to a Blues squad currently riding high in the Barclays Premier League after an encouraging start.
