McLeish considers De La Cruz

Birmingham and Coventry eye Ecuador defender

Last updated: 8th September 2008

Ulises De la Cruz

De La Cruz: Blues option

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Ulises De La Cruz could be set to link-up with Alex McLeish, the man who first brought him to Britain, skysports.com understands.

The experienced Ecuador defender was first signed by McLeish in 2001 when he was manager of Hibernian.

But De La Cruz only stayed for one season at Easter Road before Aston Villa snapped him up after he shone at the 2002 World Cup.

Now the 34-year-old is a free agent after he left Championship side Reading earlier this summer.

He had been training with Watford and was offered a deal at Vicarage Road, but he has kept his options open and spent last week with Birmingham.

McLeish has been running the rule over De La Cruz, who can play in defence or midfield, and could be set to offer him a permanent deal.

Coventry are also interested in the player and he may join them later this week if Birmingham do not follow up their interest.