Alex McLeish will attempt to bolster his Birmingham squad with a number of loan signings.
Blues ready to enter loan market
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish will attempt to bolster his squad this summer with a number of loan signings.
The Blues are down to the bare bones as they prepare for life back in the Championship and will look to make full use of a system which allows top flight players to gain valuable experience in the lower tiers.
With McLeish having played under Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson during his time at Aberdeen, it is the Red Devils who could prove to be their most useful allies.
The Blues have previously utilised Arsenal's production line of young talent to good effect, but will turn to the Premier League champions in an attempt to add much-needed numbers to their ranks.
Possibility
"I talk with Sir Alex now and again, including about the possibility of loan players when the time comes," McLeish revealed.
"The loan system is there and, with it being there, you've got to use it.
"I know Birmingham have taken players on loan in the past and they have done an effective job.
"That may happen later in the summer when Premier League clubs have had time to assess their squads.
"But we will try to use the system to the best of our ability."
Lean
McLeish will also have money to spend this summer, with the sale of former loan star Fabrice Muamba to Bolton bringing £5million into the St Andrews coffers.
The Scottish coach admits that he was disappointed to see the talented midfielder leave the club, but is already eyeing up potential replacements.
"Fabrice has gone now and we thank him for his effort and it's important to replace him with someone I think can enhance the team," McLeish added.
"We're very lean as a squad in terms of numbers and I would hope by the start of the season we'll be a little bit stronger on that front."
