McLeish led the Blues to second in the Championship last season
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish says his side are not strong enough to survive in the Premier League unless he is given the money to sign more players.
The Blues have spent about £20m on new players since winning promotion, but McLeish wants to sign more new faces before the transfer window closes.
"We are not equipped for the Premier League as things stand now," he said.
"If this team is to stay up, we need more quality. We still need at least three more players."
He added: "Somehow we have to find the money for that."
The Blues travel to defending champions Manchester United for their opening league game on Sunday.
McLeish led his side to automatic promotion last season as they finished second in the Championship, and he has since brought in the likes of Scott Dann, Christian Benitez, Roger Johnson, Barry Ferguson, Joe Hart, Giovanny Espinoza, Lee Bowyer and Gregory Vignal in an attempt to strengthen their squad.
He insists he needs more cash but the prospective takeover of the club by Carson Yeung is threatening to shroud the Blues in uncertainty.
McLeish is being hindered in his preparations for the new season by an injury crisis which has ruled out defenders Scott Dann, Giovanny Espinoza, David Murphy, Liam Ridgwell and Martin Taylor out of the trip to Old Trafford, while Benitez is also unlikely to play.
"I will do my very best and draw on all my experience to keep us in the Premier League but we are definitely a little short of investment," added McLeish.
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