McLeish has made just two major signings so far (Getty)

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish says he is expecting to make further signings before the end of the month.

Lee Carsley and Marcus Bent are the two major recruits at St Andrew's so far this summer and McLeish wants more.

"I'm trying to do some deals at the moment to give the fans a bit of interest," he told the Blues website.

"It's gone a wee bit quiet but I'm hopeful we can make announcements this week so we can go into the season with a strong squad and great optimism."

Blues start their Championship campaign against Sheffield United at St Andrew's on 9 August and McLeish knows he has to strengthen before then.

"At the moment we've got 17 players, including two goalkeepers.

"We are looking at having a squad of 20 senior players and then we'll work the loan system or bring in two or three young players.

"I have been in touch with one of two Premier League managers about loans but one or two players I asked about were unavailable."