However the Blues boss has played down reports that have suggested that the signing of the 23-year-old, who impressed McLeish in a pre-season friendly between the two side's earlier this month, is a formality. "But the 'I's' are not dotted and the 'T's' are not crossed. "He is a good athlete, has terrific technique and touch which is what you would expect from a Spanish player. "But I can only do what I can spending-wise and once that becomes impossible I will respect that and get on with things."
"It is premature to say we have done a deal for Michel," the Blues boss has said.
"We have opened talks to see if we can do something.
"He would enhance the quality of the squad.