BIRMINGHAM are targeting Ecuador star Giovanny Espinoza after sealing the club record �6.4million signing of compatriot Christian Benitez. (Mirror)Ecuador hitman Benitez, 23, has signed for promoted City on a three-year contract in a deal which could rise to �9million.

BIRMINGHAM are targeting Ecuador star Giovanny Espinoza after sealing the club record �6.4million signing of compatriot Christian Benitez. (Mirror)

Ecuador hitman Benitez, 23, has signed for promoted City on a three-year contract in a deal which could rise to �9million.

And boss Alex McLeish is also trying to sign centre-back Espinoza, 32, from Barcelona Sporting Club in his homeland.

McLeish is due to watch the defender for Ecuador against Argentina in a World Cup 2010 qualifier next Wednesday.

And he may arrive at St Andrews alongside Benitez, who has scored 31 goals in his past 58 Primera Division games for Mexican club Santos Laguna.

Agent Barry McIntosh said: “Benitez is a player Alex McLeish has been after for the past two years despite interest from other clubs.”