Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham manager McLeish backs Michel to become a St Andrew's legend
City slicker: Michel (left) is set for Birmingham [LNB]Birmingham boss Alex McLeish believes Sporting Gijon playmaker Michel will be a player for now and the future as he moves closer to finally completing a switch to St Andrew's. [LNB]Michel is expected to complete a £3million switch, subject to passing a medical, although he is unlikely to have signed in time for Saturday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United. [LNB]McLeish sees Michel as a younger version of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson, who have anchored the City midfield so effectively this season. [LNB]The former Scotland boss said: 'It's probably better I talk about Michel once he actually comes and signs for Birmingham. But he is a holding midfielder in much the same way as we play Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer. [LNB]'He is very comfortable on the ball, has good quality, is only 23, has got good legs and is a player for now but also the future. [LNB]'I said I wanted to sign players of quality during January and he fits the bill.'[LNB] McLeish added: 'It doesn't look likely things will be completed in time for him to be available against United as the registration has to go through by noon today. [LNB] 'But I will be delighted when it is all done and dusted as I have been keeping tabs on him for over 12 months now.'[LNB] However, McLeish is not to pursue his interest in Slovakian striker Jan Novak after the MFK Kosice striker spent last month on trial with Blues. [LNB]He said: 'It was a difficult one because it was thrust upon us. Jan came in, he trained with us and he looked not too bad. But I don't know about Jan to make a commitment of £2-3m. I feel I've got to go at the moment for players I am fully aware of.'[LNB] £3m Michel set for Birmingham medical as Sporting Gjion confirm ace's exitLee Carsley and Stuart Parnaby ruled out of Birmingham City's game against Manchester United ALL THE BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWSKuranyi tells Sunderland to improve offer as Birmingham eye £9m JonesBIRMINGHAM CITY FC
