Sources: Birmingham City in talks with two managers, ex-Leeds United boss is now top contender
Birmingham City are speaking to both Gary Rowett and Tony Mowbray regarding the vacant manager's position but there is a growing interest in ex-Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues have begun their search for a new head coach following Wayne Rooney's dismissal on Tuesday, with the out-of-work pair trio eyed up as potential replacements.
As revealed by Football Insider (3 January), Birmingham City have made ex-Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper their first-choice option to be Rooney's replacement.
However, sources have now told Football Insider that Cooper is not keen to move to the Championship side and is holding out for a Premier League club.
It is believed that Birmingham's American owners, Tom Wagner and minority investor Tom Brady, are increasingly keen to hire countryman Marsch.
However, they are aware that appointing the appointment of the former Leeds United boss would spark a backlash from the fanbase, who remain disgruntled over the club's rapid drop in form.
Football Insider revealed (3 January) that Cooper is seen as a ready-made replacement for the under-pressure Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace.
The Man United legend was sacked after just 83 days and 15 matches in charge at St Andrew’s.
Rowett has been without a club since leaving Championship side Millwall by mutual consent in October, while Mowbray was sacked by Sunderland last month.
John Eustace was controversially sacked by the Blues while they were sixth in the Championship table.
They now sit 20th after Rooney managed just two wins during his short tenure.
City next face Hull City away in the FA Cup on Saturday (6 January).