Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is excited about the imminent arrival of Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel.

Michel is expected to complete a £3million switch, subject to passing a medical, although he is unlikely to have signed in time for Saturday's home Premier League clash with Manchester United.

McLeish sees Michel as a younger version of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson, who have anchored the City midfield so effectively this season.

The former Scotland boss said: "It's probably better I talk about Michel once he actually comes and signs for Birmingham.

"But he is a holding midfielder in much the same way as we play Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer.

"He is very comfortable on the ball, has good quality, is only 23, has got good legs and is a player for now but also the future.

"I said I wanted to sign players of quality during January and he fits the bill."

McLeish added: "It doesn't look likely things will be completed in time for him to be available against United as the registration has to go through by noon today.

"But I will be delighted when it is all done and dusted as I have been keeping tabs on him for over 12 months now."