Crewe also tried to sign Blues American international Jovan Kirovski but that deal was scuppered because of problems with international clearance.
"We also tried to get Jovan in on loan but there were work permit problems and that would have taken an age to sort out," Crewe caretaker boss Neil Baker told his clubs official site.
"We would have had to apply and then Birmingham would have to re-apply when it came to resigning him."
