Alex McLeish remains confident of pushing through a deal for Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel despite a frustrating delay.
Birmingham have rekindled their interest in Michel after almost securing his services over the summer.
Sporting announced earlier this week that they had accepted a bid from the Premier League club, although they requested more time to find a replacement.
McLeish appreciates why Sporting are waiting but has assured Blues supporters that a move should not be too far away.
"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."
McLeish admitted that Michel would probably not join in time to be available for Birmingham's next match on Saturday.
"It doesn't look likely that anything will be completed before Manchester United because the registration deadline is noon tomorrow," he added.
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