Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has dismissed reports that he has tabled a £4million bid for Stephen Hunt, but has intimated that he would be interested in bringing the Reading midfielder to St Andrews.

The Blues chief has been the busiest of all twenty top-flight managers this summer recruiting no less than eight new signings as he prepares his squad for what promises to be a long, hard season back in the Premier League.

McLeish has openly admitted that he is looking to add to his playing staff further and has pinpointed his midfield department as the area in most need of attention despite the recent arrivals of Lee Bowyer and Barry Ferguson.

Republic of Ireland international Hunt has made no secret of his desire to quit the Royals this summer after the club failed to secure an immediate return to the Premier League and has been linked with both Everton and Wigan during the close season.

Reports had suggested that McLeish was also keen on prising the 27-year-old away from the Madjeski Stadium after admitting on Monday that he was looking to sign "a real dynamic and energetic" midfielder.

However, although admitting that Hunt is a player he admires, McLeish has refuted suggestions that he has already tabled an offer for the former Brentford man.

"It's not true. I am not about to sign anybody at the moment," he said. "We've got to count our pennies.

"I don't really want to talk about players who are with other teams or I might get into trouble with the authorities. But Hunt is a good player."