FC Twente midfielder Cheik Tiote is a £4 million target for Birmingham City.

The News of the World says the Ivorian was one of the stars of Steve McClaren's Dutch title-winning side but is available at the right price.

And Alex McLeish is keen to bring the Ivorian to St Andrew's as cover for established first-choice midfield pairing Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer.

Fulham are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, but Birmingham have stolen a march on their rivals and are keen to tie up a deal after the World Cup.