McLeish took Blues to ninth place in the Premier League in 2009/10

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish says he is being frustrated in his efforts to strengthen his squad because clubs are asking for too much money.

McLeish is looking to add to his three summer recruits - Ben Foster, Nikola Zigic and Enric Valles - but is finding it tough.

"With some players it's quite difficult to get over the line because of the prices," McLeish told the club website.

"But we will keep persevering until we've gone as far as we think we can."

Blues fly out for their pre-season tour of China and Hong Kong on Wednesday and McLeish is still holding out hope that he can complete at least one deal before the weekend.

There are thousands of players out there but it's about narrowing it down and finding the right ones Birmingham boss Alex McLeish

"When it happens it happens but I can't say that someone will definitely be in before Hong Kong," McLeish said.

"But what I can do is assure fans that I'm constantly on emails and phone calls and my chief scout Paul Montgomery is as well.

"There are thousands of players out there but it's about narrowing it down and finding the right ones."

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