Source: Team_Talk
McLeish cools interest in Barton
McLeish was considering the possibility of taking the player on loan for next season.
But he was only one of several options being mulled over by the former Scotland boss and, in any case, the Magpies would prefer a permanent deal for the controversial Barton.
McLeish has since signed Lee Bowyer on a free transfer from West Ham after a successful loan spell at St Andrew's during the second half of last season.
He would still like to further strengthen his midfield department and has been promised backing by the Blues board.
But, having brought in Manchester City keeper Joe Hart on a temporary basis, McLeish is conscious he can only make one more domestic loan signing.
And he may want to use that to try and bring in Arsenal defender Armand Traore whom he has kept tabs on since the end of last season.
Former England international Bowyer became Birmingham's seventh signing of the summer.
He has followed Stephen Carr, Scott Dann, Roger Johnson, Hart,
Giovanny Espinoza and record capture Christian Benitez into St Andrew's.
The 32-year-old former England international has signed a two year deal.
