Birmingham City are confident of landing Sporting Gijon winger Michel.

The Birmingham Mail says Gijon's president and coach have spoken about their desire not to lose such a key player.

But, privately, they have accepted the 24-year-old midfielder is set to end up at St Andrew's, most likely before the visit of Manchester United a week tonight.

Blues' impressive showing so far will undoubtedly have helped McLeish's cause in getting his man, even though Gijon have performed similarly above expectations in Primera Liga.