Clarke hopes for Morrison deal

Ravel Morrison is at the top of Birmingham manager Lee Clarke's list of players he wants in next season's squad.

The West Ham midfielder impressed during his season-long loan to St Andrews, and Clarke is keen on striking another deal for the 2013-14 campaign.

Newcastle United's Shane Ferguson had a shorter spell with Birmingham towards the end of the season, but is another that Clarke is looking to have at his disposal again.

"I have made it common knowledge that I would like to re-sign Ravel Morrison and Shane Ferguson," Clarke declared.

"We have registered our interest in bringing those lads back so that's a possibility.

"Ravel and Shane have both indicated to me that they would like to come back.

"The thing with Ravel is that, for a manager, he has been a challenge, without a shadow of a doubt.

"But it's a challenge I have relished and I have enjoyed trying to help him learn, not just about the football side, but off-the-field stuff, how you behave as a professional."

Loan deals

With Birmingham looking to enhance their squad following a disappointing campaign, where they finished 12th in the Championship, Clarke has an idea of the number of players he needs.

"I am hoping that maybe I can get two more in, possibly three," Clarke added.

"And then what I need to do is reassess. Do I wait later on in the window on the loan deals from the Premier League?

"What most of the big clubs do is take their young players away on pre-season tours with them and decide whether they are going to be part of the squad or whether they need another bit of loan time to help their development."

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