Dann backs old boys to step up

Birmingham defender Scott Dann reckons last season's stars will be stepping up their game to keep the summer's new arrivals out of the side. Alex McLeish brought in seven new faces over the summer, notably three on deadline day in Alexander Hleb, Martin Jiranek and Jean Beausejour. The Blues have responded with an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign with a win and three draws, giving them a healthy fifth place in the table at this early stage. "At the end of last season we lost quite a few players and we knew coming back this season we needed strengthening," Dann told City's official website.

"We were hoping the manager could get as much money as possible to bring in as much quality as possible and he's finally done that now to the extent that he could. "I think when any new player comes into a club it keeps you on your toes and brings out the best in you as a player and as a person. I think all the lads will be having a little look over their shoulder and thinking 'hang on a minute he's not having my place' and step up to the plate.

Beausejour Joins Blues

Jean Beausejour has joined Blues from Mexican outfit Club America. The 26-year-old Chilean winger has signed for Blues for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a three year contract at St Andrews. Jean Beausejour (Birmingham City) Information Date of birth Friday, 1st June 1984 Height 5ft 10in Place of birth Santiago Weight 13st 3lb International Chile Position Midfielder Comments Squad No. Recent Career History By Club (1999 onwards) Team Debut Apps (+ sub) Goals Yellows Reds Recent Career History By Season (1999 onwards) Season First App. Apps (+ sub) Goals Yellows Reds Appearances 0; Goals 0; Yellow cards 0; Red cards 0.

Birmingham up off for Wigan midfielder N'Zogbia

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has confirmed the club have made an improved bid for Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia. The Scot is a long-time admirer of the 24-year-old French international, who seems destined for a move from the DW Stadium after his attitude was questioned by Latics boss Roberto Martinez. McLeish would not be drawn on the size of the offer, although Blues have already had an £8million offer rejected, and says he is now waiting on a response from their Premier League rivals. McLeish said: "We have made another bid for Charles and we wait to see if it's successful or not."

He added: "We're awaiting Wigan's response. At the same time we're in the hands of the gods in terms of the other offers. If there are other clubs in for him, then we have to wait and see. "But we've tried - and we've tried our best. The board have worked hard to make these kind of things happen." McLeish admitted N'Zogbia is just one of several targets - but is not considering any of them a done deal. He added: "There are a few other players. Again, it's difficult getting them over the line. That's going to be the hardest part.

"The deadline comes on Tuesday at 5pm and I'm sure it will be a mad scramble again. Getting players in place is going to be the most difficult thing. "I don't have to name my 25-man squad until after the window closes, so that will be dictated by players who arrive or don't arrive."

Carsley makes Sky Blues return

Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has completed the free transfer signing of stalwart midfielder Lee Carsley on a one-year deal. The 36-year-old returns to the Sky Blues eight years after parting ways to join Everton, later completing a switch to hometown club Birmingham in 2008. He was released by Alex McLeish at the end of last season and now joins Gary McSheffrey in returning to Coventry from St Andrew's. Manager Aidy Boothroyd said: "Lee has a track record as a winner. He is a leader and has played at the highest level and knows what is required to win on a regular basis. "Any good team needs a balance of talent, experience, physical presence, pace and, obviously, footballing ability. I want Lee to be the glue that binds the team together because he has all of those."

McLeish- OConnor still has work to do

Boss Alex McLeish has stressed Garry O'Connor still faces a battle to get back into first-team contention despite seeing the striker grab a late winner in Birmingham's 3-2 win over a Hong Kong XI.O'Connor was sidelined for the majority of last season following a double hip operation but was nevertheless handed a new six-month deal with an option of a further six.The 27-year-old Scot was introduced during the second-half of the pre-season friendly - Birmingham's first of their three-match Far East tour - at Hong Kong Stadium and netted his side's third goal two minutes from the end when he sidefooted home Nikola Zigic's lay-off.

McLeish hopes that O'Connor can potentially have a big part to play this term provided he can regain his former sharpness."Garry O'Connor has a little bit to go," said the Scot. "He's come back from career-threatening injuries, he's had two hip injuries, two operations at the same time which is quite unheard of for footballers, so he has got a big battle ahead of him."We decided to be honourable and give Garry six months to prove that he is over the injuries and when you see the way he can finish - Garry O'Connor's a very, very good finisher with both feet and he's decent in the air - if he can get opportunities like that, then of course he can be an asset to us."

McLeish keen to complete summer spending

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish admits he is anxious to complete his summer transfer business as soon as possible to avoid a deadline-day scramble to strengthen his squad.City have already signed goalkeeper Ben Foster and Serbia striker Nikola Vidic as well as agreeing new contracts with a number of existing first-team players but McLeish is keen to add to a group that took Blues to ninth place last season on their return to the Premier League.The Scot is looking specifically at acquiring at least another striker and a left-back.

Birmingham have been linked with a number of forwards as well as reportedly having a £1.25million bid turned down by Crystal Palace for defender Nathaniel Clyne.And McLeish, currently in Hong Kong for Birmingham's three-match tour of the region and China, revealed he has discussed potential targets with president Carson Yeung and was eager to move quickly."We've had a chat me and Carson last night, things are moving forward, we're trying to bring new players for the new season," he said. "The market has slowed up a little bit and I don't see any other clubs doing too much business either, I think people are waiting, being patient."As long as I don't go into August scrambling for players then we should be okay. Carson has pledged his support in terms of bringing other players, so no problem."

McLeish planning squad overhaul

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set to reshape his squad in the summer with "significant" additions and "eight or nine players likely to leave" - according to the club's chief executive Michael Dunford.McLeish only managed to bring in playmaker Michel from Sporting Gijon and midfielder Craig Gardner from Aston Villa during the January transfer window.But Dunford predicts the former Scotland boss will be busy with ins and outs from St Andrew's when the window reopens in four months' time.He said: "I expect it to be quite a busy summer. We will gear ourselves up for what I'm sure will be significant transfer movement in the summer."There are also eight or nine players likely to be leaving the club which means from a numerical point of view, we need new players of quality to supplement the ones we have got as well."

Hart happy to reprise City loan

Goalkeeper Joe Hart has revealed he would be the open to the idea of returning to Birmingham City on loan next season.

Hart, 22, has been in impressive form since joining the Blues on a season-long loan last summer from Manchester City.

The former England Under-21 keeper was allowed to leave Eastlands on a temporary basis following big-spending City's acquisition of Shay Given 12 months ago.

Blues boss Alex McLeish recently failed with an approach to sign Hart on a permanent basis, but the player himself has now revealed that he could be tempted to return to St Andrew's on loan next term should he remain behind Given in the City pecking order.

"My situation is out there on the pitch," he told the Birmingham Mail.

"That's all I've come to Birmingham to do, play football here until the end of the season. Whatever happens, happens.

"Would I come back for another season? I'm not going to rule anything out. It's exciting stuff and it's nice to be wanted, obviously after what I had last year.

"Shay Given is a great goalie. I think him, Brad Friedel, David James and Edwin van der Sar have been the best in the Premier League. They are the people I look up to. I can't see it changing for a while.

"It's up to Manchester City what they do, but I don't look too far in the future."

City reject Birmingham Hart bid

Birmingham have failed with an approach to Manchester City to sign on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart on a permanent basis.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper has taken the plaudits following his form since joining the Blues on a season-long loan from City in August.

First-team opportunities at the big-spending Eastlands club had dried up following their signing of Shay Given from Newcastle United 12 months ago.

Hart is being mentioned as possible member of England's World Cup squad for South Africa and McLeish approached City over retaining the keeper on a full-time basis.

However, he is still held in high esteem by City and they have no intention of letting the former Shrewsbury Town youngster move on during the transfer window.

"City will take Joe Hart back at the end of the season," McLeish told The Guardian.

"There is no chance of us signing him in January. We asked the question and they said that won't happen. We never had an option from City to buy him.

"He has the comfort of knowing City really want him and he is part of their future."

However, McLeish is not giving up hope of being able to re-sign Hart for next season.

He added: "Joe Hart remains a big part of the future. But you couldn't rule out that Joe stays with us in the summer.

"They said he was going out for experience to improve and he has improved.

"It doesn't preclude him from coming back and we can negotiate with City for another year."