Michel made 30 La Liga appearances for Sporting last season

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has admitted his interest in the Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.

The 23-year-old could line up against Blues in their final pre-season game at St Andrew's on Saturday and is valued at around £3 million.

"He's a young lad playing in Spain in La Liga for the past two or three years," McLeish told BBC WM.

"It'd be unfair to say we're definitely going to sign him when we haven't spoken to his club yet."

Gijon officials are aware of Blues' interest in their home-grown playmaker, who came through Sporting's youth programme, and have included him in the squad for their trip to St Andrew's.

He would give us additional speed in the midfield and additional passing ability Alex McLeish

"We'll see how it goes, I'm sure he'll show what he can do against us," said McLeish, who believes Michel would give his Premier League newcomers an extra dimension.

"He would give us additional speed in the midfield and additional passing ability, a couple of things I think are missing from the team."

The former Scotland boss has been forced to give up on his bid to take full-back Armand Traore on loan from Arsenal for the time being.

The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has decided to keep hold of the young defender until nearer the end of the transfer window.

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