Birmingham City are moving for released Derby County midfielder Giles Barnes.

The Mirror says Brum boss Alex McLeish made a surprise move for Barnes last night - and will try to stop him joining Steve McClaren's Dutch side FC Twente.

McLeish plans to bring in attacking midfielder Barnes on trial to check on his fitness after he had his contract cancelled at Derby and he knows he has to move fast.

Barnes is due to head for Holland at the end of the week in a bid to impress McClaren and win a contract with the league leaders.

McLeish is an admirer of Barnes from his peak at Pride Park and would give him a shot at the Premier League if he can prove that his injury worries are behind him.