No second loan for Benitez: McLeish

(GSM) – Birmingham City boss, Alex McLeish insists there is no chance of Christian Benitez rejoining Birmingham on a second season-long loan deal.

McLeish is currently weighing up whether to take up Brum’s option of signing Benitez permanently at the end of this term.

But if he decides against a full-time deal, the Scot will send Benitez back to Mexican side Santos Laguna.

The Blues boss said, “The agreement was that we buy Benitez in May. That’s the way it’s written down and we’ll make that decision as and when.”

“I did say a few weeks ago we’ll try and keep him, but maybe it comes down to finance. It just depends.”

Benitez has scored just three times for Birmingham and recently lost his place up front to James McFadden.

But McLeish insists he has made an important contribution to the club’s first campaign back in the Premier League.

“Benitez has done well for us. Maybe his lack of goals is what people are questioning about him, but he has made a big impact,” he praised Benitez.