Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish is planning to snap up Fulham’s Ghanaian right back John Pantsil in a cut-price deal at the window.

Pantsil’s deal is running out at Craven Cottage and McLeish may be able to pick him up in a bargain deal as he looks to strengthen that part of his squad.

The Blues chief has turned to Pantsil after pulling back for a move to land Crystal Palace youngster Nathaniel Clyne. He could get the African star from Fulham for around £500,000.

Pantsil, who joined West Ham when he first came to England, wants to carry on in the Premier League and is willing to go to St Andrew’s to fight for a first-team place.