Sources: Big Birmingham City next manager update
Birmingham City have made Steve Cooper their first-choice option to replace sacked manager Wayne Rooney, sources have told Football Insider.
Rooney was relieved of his duties on Tuesday (2 January) after just 15 matches in charge at St Andrew's.
Cooper has been made a top target but he has strong interest from several other clubs - including Premier League mainstays Crystal Palace.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (3 January) that the ex-Nottingham Forest boss is seen as a ready-made replacement for Roy Hodgson at Palace - but the Croydon club are not yet ready to make a change.
Gary Rowett and John Eustace are out of work and are both keen on a potential return to the hot seat at Birmingham.
But a well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Blues board intend to pursue Cooper before turning to alternatives.
The Welshman was sacked by Forest last month after losing five of his last six games at the helm.
He has a good record in the Championship and took the Midlands side from the bottom of the table to promotion via the play-offs in the 2021-22 campaign.
Rooney was sacked by Birmingham after winning just two of a possible 15 games in charge.
Eustace was removed from the role in October with the Blues in a playoff place, but the former England captain now leaves them just six points above the Championship relegation zone.
American owners Shelby Companies Limited and CEO Garry Cook will now work to make the right appointment ahead of the club's next league fixture against Swansea on 13 January.