Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has confirmed offers for Everton attacker James McFadden and Hibs fullback David Murphy have been turned down.

McLeish, who has been promised financial backing by chairman David Gold and co-owner David Sullivan, said: "I can confirm that we have had bids rejected for McFadden and Murphy.

"Will I go back in for McFadden and Murphy? We will have a think about things. I am in daily discussions with the two Davids (Sullivan and Gold) and Karren Brady (managing director). We will certainly try and do something, yes.

"There is also an interest in Samaras. We will be pushing on with one or two things.

"But I don't want to bring anyone in just to fill up the numbers in the squad. I could do that and then I would regret that further down the line and say we are no farther forward.

"I want to bring in players I feel I can move forward with. I don't expect anyone to be in by kick-off time on Saturday."