BIRMINGHAM have launched a £5million bid to sign Alex Hleb from Barcelona.

The former Arsenal star has been told he can leave the Nou Camp after spending last year on loan at Stuttgart.

Benfica are keen but Hleb is said to prefer a Premier League return.

City also hope to land Spartak Moscow defender Martin Jiranek on a cut-price deal plus Arsenal left-back Armand Traore, 20, on loan for the season.

Blues boss Alex McLeish is also hot on the trail of Tottenham full backs Alan Hutton and Kyle Walker.

Spurs are willing to sell Scotland star Hutton for around £2.5m. They are also keen for Walker, 20, to go on loan to a Premier League club.