Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is remaining confident over completing a deal for Sporting Gijon's Michel despite frustrating delays.

It was announced earlier this week that the Spanish outfit had accepted an offer from the Blues but they wanted to be given more time to find an apt replacement.

Despite this speed hump and a few issues at Sporting, McLeish has eased supporters minds, saying a deal for the 24-year old is imminent.

"We thought we were pretty close to the Michel one but the weather and an illness within the Sporting Gijon director's family has delayed things a little bit, but we're hopeful it will go through," he told the club's official website.

"It's been a long time. We've watched Michel for over a year and a bit now and we need to try and get this one over the line, but it looks likely.

"I think Gijon also hit a stumbling block with getting in a replacement.

"You can understand their coach's situation when he to get a replacement, because Michel has been his captain this season and he's rightly trying to cover himself."