Lee Bowyer is set to join Birmingham on a permanent basis from West Ham on a free transfer. The former England midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at St Andrew’s during the second half of last season.

He played a key role in helping them gain promotion back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.

And now City are confident the deal for Bowyer will be tied up in time for when the players report back for pre-season training on Wednesday.

McLeish indicated Bowyer would be a worthwhile addition to the squad if his wage demands were not too high.

Birmingham have also reiterated they are confident the deal for Ecuador striker Christian Benitez will also finally go through.

Benitez was set to join Blues for a club record €12 million before his medical indicated a knee problem.

City were keen to renegotiate the deal and it appears that his club Santos Laguna are receptive to the idea. Benitez, 23, currently recovering after shoulder surgery, will sign a three-year deal.