Birmingham boss Eck made personal check on Marseille pair Brandao, Niang

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has made a personal check on Olympique Marseille pair Brandao and Mamadou Niang.

The Birmingham Mail says Eck watched both strikers last week for Marseille in the Champions League against AC Milan, it can be revealed.

McLeish was in the San Siro for the 1-1 draw, which was remembered for Brandao’s miss from inside the six-yard box, when he struck the bar.

The rangy Brazilian, 29, has scored six times in 17 game for Marseille and spent sevens seasons in Russia with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he made his reputation.

He moved to France in the last January transfer window for around £5 million and has ambitions of forcing his way into the national team.

The speedy Niang impressed against the Italians and his abilities have long been known on the European scene.

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