CARSON YEUNG has assured Birmingham he will continue to provide his backing for the club despite facing five charges of money laundering amounting to €65.2 million in his native Hong Kong.

ACTING chairman Peter Pannu insists Birmingham are in a sound financial position after flying to Hong Kong for talks with owner Carson Yeung who has been charged with five counts of money-laundering involving £59 million (€65 million).

Birmingham owner Carson Yeung has been arrested and charged with five counts of money laundering involving £59m (€65.5m), according to a report.

Birmingham’s acting chairman Peter Pannu hailed Chris Hughton as the “perfect candidate” after he was appointed as the club’s new manager in succession to Alex McLeish.

Chris Hughton has been appointed as Birmingham’s new manager – just 10 days after Alex McLeish resigned to take charge of Aston Villa.

Chris Hughton is expected to be confirmed as Birmingham's new manager in the next 24 hours, Press Association Sport understands.

CHRIS HUGHTON is expected to be confirmed as Birmingham’s new manager in the next 24 hours as the club replaces Alex McLeish at St Andrew’s.

Chris Hughton is expected to be confirmed as Birmingham’s new manager in the next 24 hours, Press Association Sport understands.

Birmingham are stepping up their attempts to appoint a quickfire replacement for Alex McLeish, who will be unveiled as Aston Villa’s new manager today.

Birmingham have lined up six possible candidates to replace Alex McLeish as manager with former Newcastle boss Chris Hughton the current bookmakers favourite.

Birmingham have accused Aston Villa of “tapping up” Alex McLeish and intend to make a formal complaint against their local rivals.

Birmingham have identified six targets as they step up their bid to replace Alex McLeish as manager.

Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu has criticised Alex McLeish for walking away from the club and vowed the Scot will not be allowed to move on without a fight.

Chairman Peter Pannu insists Birmingham will not sell any of their leading players on the cheap following relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Alex McLeish is to remain as Birmingham manager despite their relegation from the Premier League.

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Birmingham owner Carson Yeung has reduced his stake in the midlands club by 1.6% and raised £3.63m from selling shares to private investors.

Birmingham are confident they will meet the financial criteria which will enable them to compete in Europe next season after their Carling Cup triumph.

ALEX McLEISH wants to put all off-field issues to one side for at least 24 hours as Birmingham try to reach their first major Wembley final for 55 years.

ALEX FERGUSON is the master of late goals and he has taught his star pupil Alex McLeish well.

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has issued an apology to Birmingham’s acting chairman Peter Pannu over a newspaper article which claimed the former Blues owner had been denied the chance to remain as chairman at St Andrew’s.

FARCE was the order of the day at St Andrew’s.

FORMER Birmingham co-owner David Gold has been banned from attending today’s clash with his current club West Ham at St Andrew’s.

Birmingham are considering redeveloping part of their St. Andrew’s ground to increase the capacity to around 46,000 as an alternative to moving to a new stadium.

Alex McLeish insists he is still being backed in the transfer market by Birmingham owner Carson Yeung despite concerns over the club’s financial state.

Birmingham tonight clinched the signing of striker Matt Derbyshire on a one-year loan from Olympiacos.

Birmingham’s owners will appeal a judgment against them which ruled they owed investment bank Seymour Pierce £2.5m and threatened their future ownership of the club.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish admitted he was anxious to complete his summer transfer business as soon as possible to avoid a deadline-day scramble to strengthen his squad.

Birmingham goalkeeper Maik Taylor has signed a new one-year contract with the Barclays Premier League club.

Michael Dunford has resigned from his role as Birmingham chief executive.

Investment bank Seymour Pierce has effectively taken control of Birmingham and could put it up for sale after club owner Carson Yeung failed to pay a £2.2m fee to the bank.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has started negotiations with club owner Carson Yeung over a new contract.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has admitted defeat in his attempts to sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has confirmed his interest in signing the Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

New West Ham owner David Sullivan has a seven-year plan to get the Hammers into the Champions League after completing a takeover at Upton Park.

Former Birmingham owners David Sullivan and David Gold have completed their takeover of West Ham.

Former Birmingham owners David Sullivan and David Gold appeared to take a step closer to a takeover of West Ham last night after rival Tony Fernandes admitted defeat in the race.

Birmingham are set to offer a new contract to manager Alex McLeish after he expressed a desire to sign an extended deal with the midlands club.

ALEX McLEISH wants latest Birmingham capture Michel to be given time to adapt to the Barclays Premier League.

ALEX FERGUSON has absolved his young players of blame for Manchester United’s shock FA Cup defeat to Leeds last weekend.

Alex Ferguson has absolved his young players of blame for Manchester United’s shock FA Cup defeat to Leeds last weekend.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has been told Ryan Babel will consider a move to St Andrews if a fee can be agreed with Liverpool.

Middlesbrough today remained in dialogue with Celtic as manager Gordon Strachan attempted to bolster his squad.