Million Poundland

Andy Munro talks about Blues’ summer transfer dealings.

So Blues have completed their sixth signing, of which only one has cost any transfer dough (a paltry million quid) and although there are obviously wage costs and agents fees, this can probably be offset by the unloading of Messrs Maghoma, Keite, Villablanca, Mrabti, Clarke-Salter, Stockdale, Camp and Giminez.

Realistically we should have some money still to spend, perhaps half of the Bellingham fee with the rest set against our debts? And what have we added to our previously depleted squad?

ANDRES PRIETO seems to be a cool and commanding figure, and at last we have a keeper who looks like he hasn’t stepped out of Lilliput.

GEORGE FRIEND looks like he has plenty of miles left in him despite being in his early thirties and is the sort of influential talker we need at the back.

ADAM CLAYTON is undeniably a decent player but no spring chicken and slightly worryingly joins a long queue of equally able and younger central midfielders at St Andrews.

IVAN SANCHEZ seems tricky and influential wide player who was a success in Spain and we certainly needed another quality wide player to go with Bela

JON TORAL was excellent during his first spell with Blues so let’s hope he repeats it. There’s a slight worry that he will compete with the gifted Dan Crowley to each others’ detriment.

JONATHAN BEKO appears to be a real talent capped at various England junior levels and can play wide or down the middle. Despite a previous bad injury he’s well worth the £1 million lottery ticket.

Overall, there are some very encouraging additions found in the bargain basement but whether the Juke stays or no) where is that commanding and powerful natural goalscorer up front? And whether Xuandong Ren likes it or not, it may mean a case of popping round from Poundland to Selfridge’s.