Everton Tickets

CRAIG Gardner’s dynamism appeals to Alex McLeish, the Blues boss admits.

And the £3 million move for the Villa midfielder shows his determination to strengthen his squad with such players.

Michel has been added to the mix from Sporting Gijon for £3 million and Gardner would also improve McLeish’s hand once his transfer finally goes through next week.

“He’s quite dynamic and he can play in a number of positions,” said McLeish. “That versatility is worth its weight in gold. He has got some Premier League experience, despite only being 23.

“We have got to be looking to enhance our squad and a player like Craig would do that. We’ve brought Michel in and he’s similar in that he’s a good age too, 24, athletic and can look after the ball.

“We’ve seen a lot of big names bandied about but it’s important that we address the depth and quality in the squad if we want to progress as a club.”

There are several Blues players out of contract in the summer and McLeish said he had to embark on an overhaul by bringing in new blood.

Blues and Villa have been haggling over the methods of payment for Gardner, most recently how much is put down on the table initially.

“We were just waiting on the go-ahead from the bosses of the club in terms of the final sanction,” said McLeish, before a meeting yesterday afternoon with Peter Pannu and Michael Dunford revealed Carson Yeung had given the green light.

McLeish has also been considering Kris Boyd, again to pep up his squad. The Rangers striker, if he decides to move to St Andrew’s, would arrive at the end of the season on a free transfer.

“Boyd’s out of contract in the summer and it’s possible we could do business, but we’re not committing ourselves yet,” said McLeish. “We are looking at all the Bosmans, plus some of the big money signings we’ve been linked with.”

As for potential exits, centre-half Martin Taylor has been in talks with Leicester City.

McLeish said Blues were waiting for the next development.

“Nothing has happened yet. I think his agent has been speaking to them but there’s nothing.”

McLeish, meanwhile, said Michel had shown up well during his first week of training at the club, enjoying the warm-weather break in Malta.

“He’s been out there on the grass with the boys now and we just look to integrate him in the squad,” commented McLeish. “It won’t be an overnight job.

“But I’m sure he’s capable, having played in La Liga and not looking out of place there, if he’s called upon sooner rather than later, of not letting us down.”