Jan was my man - McLeish

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has confirmed Blues failed to sign Czech star Jan Koller but that he will not make desperate signings.

McLeish must replace a host of departed players including Fabrice Muamba, Mikael Forssell and Mauro Zarate, with the only arrival so far being Lee Carsley from Everton.

However, the St Andrews chief will continue to scour the transfer market for players who will add to the squad and not just make up the numbers.

McLeish told the Birmingham Mail: "We want to bring in players who really enhance the team. That's why you've not seen any apart from Lee Carsley up to now.

"We did try for Jan Koller, we showed our ambition and intention there. But he chose a massive offer in Russia which we couldn't compete with.

"There are some other players as well we're interested in. There's a few names you see in the press which are a load of rubbish, others that have an element of truth.

"But as I've said before, I don't like to mislead the fans. I will only confirm something when it materialises."