ALEX McLeish reported back to Birmingham City last night after his Old Firm spying mission and told his board they can't afford to buy Madjid Bougherra from Rangers.

ALEX McLeish reported back to Birmingham City last night after his Old Firm spying mission and told his board they can't afford to buy Madjid Bougherra from Rangers. (Daily Record)

Although McLeish was massively impressed by the Algerian defender's performance against Celtic, he was quickly put off the idea of weighing in with a bid after talks with Rangers chairman Sir David Murray.

Bougherra also insisted after Saturday's derby victory he has no interest in moving on again this summer, however, it's likely Rangers would be forced into a rethink should they receive an offer of around �6m for Bougherra who cost just �2.5m 12 month ago.

Having helped Rangers hit the top of the SPL with the weekend victory over Celtic, the centre-back said: “I am not leaving - it is too early. Maybe in two or three years, I don't know.

“I seem to move every year but I am very comfortable here and want to stay.

“I have learned so much here about a winning mentality and know if I stay here I will be a better player.

“Before I came here I didn't know what a big club was. Now I know.”

McLeish, though, might yet be tempted to return to Ibrox this summer with a possible bid for Rangers striker Kris Boyd after failing to land the striker in January.

The Blues boss will also battle Wigan and Bolton for the signing of Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis this summer. (Daily Mirror)