Birmingham City conduct 'initial talks' with former West Brom manager

Birmingham City have reportedly conducted positive initial conversations with former Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray over the vacant managerial position at St Andrew's.

The 60-year-old, who was controversially relieved of his duties by the Black Cats in December and replaced by Michael Beale, has a terrific track record in the English second tier. Patience is important as Blues don't want to repeat their Wayne Rooney mistake, but progress appears to have been made.

The Telegraph reports Mowbray is a "very strong contender" as it stands, though other candidates are said to remain under consideration. Mowbray is being considered as he's "regarded as a good option with vast experience of the Championship".

Ex-Blues head coach Gary Rowett, who recently left Millwall after a poor start to the campaign, is another being talked about by Birmingham's board. Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper seems to have dropped out of the running as the stepdown would be too hefty.