Tom Wagner in stands with Jim Ratcliffe in stands left inset
Tom Wagner is set to appoint a former colleague of Jim RatcliffeImago
Championship

Sources: Birmingham City in advanced talks to agree John Murtough deal

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Birmingham City are in advanced talks to appoint John Murtough as their new sporting director, sources have told Football Insider.

The ex-Man United chief is expected to leave Atalanta to join the Championship side as they eye promotion to the Premier League.

Birmingham's United States owners are keen to lead the club back to the top flight, with highly ambitious future plans for both on and off the pitch.

Murtough, 56, spent 11 years at United between 2013 and 2024 and held various roles in their boardroom before leaving by mutual agreement.

He is set to join Birmingham as a direct replacement for Craig Gardner, after he left his role as their director of football in June.

Several footballing figures have been linked to St Andrew's since his departure, but the club are now closing in on an official appointment.

John Murtough close to becoming new Birmingham director of football

Murtough has been working as a director of global development at Serie A club Atalanta since April 2025.

He started his career behind the scenes as an analyst at Everton in 1997, going on to work for Fulham and Coventry before rejoining the Merseyside club as a director in 2008.

Murtough followed David Moyes to Old Trafford in 2013 to oversee player development, going on to become United's head of football development and ultimately appointed as a director of football in 2021.

He is now firmly on Blues' radar following links to former Norwich and Huddersfield recruitment chief Stuart Webber and ex-Newcastle director Paul Mitchell.

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While Blues are driving forward with grand plans away from the pitch, they have stagnated somewhat on it in recent times.

Davies led the club back to the Championship with a record EFL points total in 2025, but they finished 10th last season despite a desire to push for the play-off places.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Edwards is admired by Blues' chiefs and could be approached to be their next boss if they decide to relieve Davies of his duties soon.

Birmingham are 10th in the second tier after eight games as it stands, with two wins , five draws and one loss so far.

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