Former Sheffield United and Derby County boss surges into pole position for Birmingham City job

Last week, Neil Warnock was backed by the bookies as the firm favourite for the role, but a flurry of bets over the past few days have seen another ex-Sheffield United boss become the new 7/4 favourite for the position - Nigel Clough.

The 54-year-old, who took the Blades to the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and League Cup during his 19-month spell at Bramall Lane, is understood to have engaged in preliminary talks with the Blues over replacing Pep Clotet at the end of the season.

Clough left Burton Albion a month ago - a decision prompted by the COVID19 pandemic's severe financial impact on the club.

The ex-Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker was in charge of the Brewers for four-and-a-half years, and secured the club promotion to League One in his first season at the Pirelli Stadium.

Other candidates in the running for the role are Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer and ex-Brighton manager Chris Hughton, who has been without a managerial role since leaving the Seagulls at the end of the 2018/19 season.

Birmingham resume their campaign this Saturday, in what should be a challenging fixture against title-challengers West Bromwich Albion. The Blues, currently 16th in the table, look set for a mid-table finish, with the gap to the play-offs too large to bridge, and a 12-point cushion keeping them well clear of the relegation zone.