Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson

Alex McLeish has publicly thanked Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson for their help in assisting Blues to obtain a work permit for new signing Alexander Hleb.

The duo both wrote letters regarding Hleb on Blues' behalf, which were presented as supporting evidence in the club's successful application for the player's work permit.

As a non-EU national, the work permit was required to allow the Belarusian midfielder to ply his trade back in the Barclays Premier League.

Arsenal boss Wenger managed Hleb, during his time at the Gunners between 2005 and 2008.

"Both Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger gave us a headed notepaper endorsement of Hleb's quality to play in England," said McLeish.

"I think the panel were pretty positive about it anyway, but it helps when you have got two top managers endorsing a particular player.

"We thank them as two top guys for that."

McLeish also revealed that he had been a long term admirer of Hleb, but until he got the call to say that the Barcelona man was available, felt he would be out of Blues' reach.

Alekxander Hleb

"He was always been on our list, because Paul (Montgomery, Blues' chief scout) kept putting him on, but what chance had we got of getting someone like Hleb?

"Hleb was a little bit of a pipedream over the past couple of years, but all of a sudden, in the last three or four days, we were told it was possible and the board made it happen."

Hleb's decision to move to the Midlands came despite interest from Portuguese champions Benfica.

"With the feedback we were getting, he was delighted to come," added McLeish.

"To go back to England, that was his first choice and to pip Benfica to get his services is a bit of coup.

"They are Portuguese champions, in the Champions League; they had a brilliant season last year and are a quality side."