Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has insisted that Kris Boyd has the ability to cut it in the Premier League, as he continues to monitor the progress of the Rangers striker.

Boyd is out of contract this summer and McLeish is keen on the forward, despite 26-year-old rejecting the chance to join the Blues a year ago after the two clubs agreed a fee.

A number of players have struggled to make an impact in England's top division after moving south of the border but McLeish believes Boyd would be an exception to the rule.

"If you make the chances, Kris Boyd will score," he said according to Press Association Sport.

"You won't turn him into a bad finisher overnight if he comes to the Premier League.

"But it is a different league to the SPL and, the thing about Kris, is that you have to make sure the supply is right.

"Can he make the step to the Premier League in England? He can score goals. If you can give him the service he will score."

McLeish refused to talk specifically about other potential signings but revealed that he was looking at several players.

He said: "We are looking at a number of names. I really can't talk about players that are under contract because it looks tantamount to tapping up.

"But we have got a number of players we will try and pursue.

"I can talk about Boyd because he's out of contract and we have made contact with Rangers also, in terms of courtesy.

"It is ongoing. He's talking to other clubs as well. He's a free agent, he has got that luxury. We have spoken to his people since January."