The Villa boss has again reiterated that no more new signings will be possible until he has offloaded players from the current squad who are not at the forefront of his plans.
McLeish is working closely with club owner Randy Lerner in cutting the wage bill at Villa Park, but that will not stop the Scot from trying to bring success to Villa.
McLeish said: "I've said, all along, since I joined the club, that we won't be bringing players in until we trade.
"We still have a very heavy wage bill and we've got to try and work with Randy Lerner and Aston Villa to adjust that.
"There are players at the club we respect totally but who haven't played much first-team football and we have to try and let them seek football somewhere else.
"But, at the same time, getting the wages off the bill would then allow us to look at other incomings."
Carlos Cuellar has been linked with a move back to Rangers but McLeish said: "I think it's at a bit of an impasse at the moment.
"I'm not sure where Rangers are with it at all. It will probably (go to) the transfer deadline.
"I don't think we've run out of patience in terms of when Carlos goes.
"That would definitely be handy (if a deal happens) but at the moment it's not happened."
McLeish has been linked with former Villa and West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger.
He said: "Thomas' name has been mentioned against a number of other players.
"If it came to a choice, we'd have to think about everything if we were able to get that choice.
"Maybe in midfield, in terms of experience, we are a little bit lacking."
In terms of Villa's targets this season, McLeish said: "I think we are a work in progress this season.
"We have to rely on some patience and we also have to have a steady season.
"If it's spectacular then brilliant, that's what we aim for, but we've got to have a steady season.
"I'd love to finish as high as I can but I think that people have to be patient."
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk