Alex McLeish is ready to commit his long-term future to Birmingham City after holding preliminary talks regarding a new contract. The manager has spoken with the club's chief executive, Michael ­Dunford, and the vice-chairman, Peter Pannu, over a new deal and is now set to talk to club owner Carson Yeung.

McLeish guided Birmingham to promotion from the Championship last season and has now established them in the top 10 of the Premier League and they have reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

He said: "We had a chat, myself, Michael and Peter. We didn't talk about specific figures, but things in general, and it was a very good meeting. I'm now due to see Carson and, absolutely, I plan on staying at Birmingham. I see my future here and I'm sure we can work something out."

McLeish is optimistic about the future at Birmingham and is happy with the relationship he has forged with Yeung and the board of directors. He said: "I believe we can go forward all together – myself and my staff, the players and Carson and the board. I have enjoyed working for Carson since the takeover and there is a great atmosphere and ambience about the club, a real feelgood factor.

"We are on the same wavelength and they have done everything they can so far to help me, I have no complaints. It's not just a case of backing me on the team and players, but the infrastructure as well, which they have recognised and provided assistance with. Unless you have everything right off the field, and unless you have everybody pulling the same way, it makes it that much harder sometimes."