Birmingham are closing in on the signing of AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele in a £5million deal.
The 23-year-old has confirmed that Blues are "the most concrete option" in terms of his future after his representative met City manager Alex McLeish for talks on Wednesday. If the deal goes through, it will take City's summer spending up to £17million after the signing of Ben Foster and Nikola Zigic.
Dembele told the Birmingham Mail: "The Premier League is the strongest in the world. I know I can be successful in a big league. Birmingham City is the most concrete option but other clubs have also shown an interest."
He added: "I have waited for more opportunities and now I have to look at the pros and the cons. I would like to decide by next week but in my head I have a preference."
Dembele has only one year remaining of his current deal.
Blues have also been linked with a move for Juventus duo of midfielder Mauro Camoranesi and left-back Fabio Grosso.
The moves for new players comes a day after McLeish had insisted there was no rift between himself and the board over transfer dealings.
Chairman Peter Pannu also revealed that money was available for new signings before the transfer window closes on August 31. Camoranesi's agent, Sergio Fortunato, has confirmed Birmingham's interest in the 33-year-old player.
He said: "There was official contact from Birmingham. A FIFA official gave me a letter from one of their directors. They have made a proposal and I have discussed it with Juve's leaders.
"It is in the hands of their directors and I will meet them in the coming days."
