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.

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.

ASTON VILLA have revealed their intention to interview Alex McLeish “imminently” regarding their vacant managerial position.

Alex McLeish quit Birmingham because he was not consulted properly over transfers and after his chief scout was sacked, according to the League Managers’ Association.

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.

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

Birmingham have completed the signing of former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins on loan for the remainder of the season, the club have confirmed.

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.

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.

Birmingham acting chairman Peter Pannu has dispelled concerns about a rift with manager Alex McLeish over the Scot’s ongoing contract negotiations.

Alex McLeish insists he is committed to remaining at St Andrew’s after holding talks over a new contract.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is in talks over a new contract and vice-chairman Peter Pannu believes an agreement is close.

Birmingham are close to completing a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner, according to Blues vice-chairman Peter Pannu.