NEW Birmingham manager Chris Hughton is certain he will to lose some of the club’s star names this summer and plans to tackle arguably the biggest of his immediate issues in the coming days.

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.

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

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

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.

Aston Villa have approached city rivals Birmingham to ask about the legal situation regarding Alex McLeish after the Scot quit his job 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.

Birmingham’s search for a new manager starts today – with former boss Alex McLeish tipped to take over at city rivals Aston Villa.

ALEX McLEISH resigned as manager of Birmingham City yesterday — by email — and was immediately tipped to defect to cross-city rivals Aston Villa.

Alex McLeish has resigned as manager of Birmingham City.

Birmingham have confirmed the release of Kevin Phillips, Sebastian Larsson and Lee Bowyer following the club’s relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

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.

Birmingham are confident of completing the loan signing of former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins before the transfer window closes tonight.

ALEX MCLEISH insists he has the full backing of the Birmingham board and “doesn’t feel at all threatened”.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish admits his position is “not invulnerable” despite seeing his side reach their first major Wembley final for 55 years.

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.

Birmingham have rejected a transfer request from in-demand midfielder Sebastian Larsson, according to his agent, Per Johnson.

TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp has slammed Birmingham over their conduct during Robbie Keane’s failed transfer to St Andrew’s.

Birmingham will step up their pursuit of Rangers forward Kenny Miller and other targets after last night confirming they had ended their interest in signing striker Robbie Keane from Tottenham.

Birmingham have confirmed they are no longer interested in signing Tottenham striker Robbie Keane, stating that it “would not be in the best financial interests of the club” to pursue the deal.

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.

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 manager Alex McLeish has admitted he is close to finally signing a new contract with the midlands club.

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

Birmingham are closing in on the signing of AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele in a £5m deal.

Birmingham are looking for a new first team coach after confirming Roy Aitken has left the club to team up with David O’Leary at United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ahli.

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

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

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish insists he “doesn’t envisage any hold-ups” regarding his new contract.

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