McLeish is keen to make full use of the Premier League loan system as Blues aim to regain their top flight status at the first attempt.

And in the past the likes of Fabrice Muamba, Sebastian Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner were borrowed from Arsenal with good effect.

Muamba yesterday joined Bolton for £5million plus add-ons after spending two seasons with Blues.

McLeish is keen to plug the gap and bolster the size of his squad and admitted his former Aberdeen boss Ferguson is one option to consider.

McLeish said: "I talk with Sir Alex now and again, including about the possibility of loan players when the time comes.

"The loan system is there and, with it being there, you've got to use it.

"I know Birmingham have taken players on loan in the past and they have done an effective job.

"That may happen later in the summer when Premier League clubs have had time to assess their squads.

"But we will try to use the system to the best of our ability."

McLeish added: "Fabrice has gone now and we thank him for his effort and it's important to replace him with someone I think can enhance the team.

"We're a very lean as a squad in terms of numbers and I would hope by the start of the season we'll be a little bit stronger on that front."