Source: Team_Talk
Blues not giving up on Betis star
A late loan move for Emana, a player McLeish had previously caught sight of during his time at Toulouse, fell through on deadline day.
"It was a tough one to do. It was put to me very late," said McLeish.
"He went to Real Betis for big money, and they want big money for him now. They wanted to sell him.
"We had a stab at getting him on loan because we felt Betis would not want to go through D-Day without getting him off the wages.
"It was an ambitious effort and I thank the board for trying to go for it. We didn't quite do it, however."
McLeish may look at resurrecting the deal in January, maybe on a permanent basis, although much will depend on City's position in the Barclays Premier League at that stage.
"Possibly further down the line, you never know," added McLeish in the Evening Mail when asked whether it was a transfer to consider in the future.
"We will see what develops over the course of this season.
"Hopefully, the lads will continue to show the belief they have in the opening games, then there's no reason why we can't look to invest in players like Emana."
Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel is another possibility as a deal failed due to a breakdown in negotiations over repayments.
City were due to pay the £2.5million fee in four equal instalments, only for Sporting to demand half up front.
McLeish at least managed to sign one player on deadline day in Finland international midfielder Teemu Tainio.
The 29-year-old is someone McLeish has long coveted, and yesterday he joined the Blues on a season-long loan deal from Sunderland.
"We went to the wire with it," McLeish said of Tainio, who had made one appearance for the Black Cats this season, in the Carling Cup win at Norwich.
"We know all about him, and I have always admired him. Of course, I tried to get him before in the last Premier League transfer window we were in.
"We noticed he wasn't featuring that much for Sunderland, and I know you don't turn into a bad player overnight.
"He's an international, very good with the ball and that's the type of player I want to bring to the club. We're glad to be working with him at last."
Aston Villa 11/8, Birmingham 2/1, Draw 9/4
