By Wayne Veysey

5th Oct, 2023 | 12:25pm

Sources: Wayne Rooney leading contender to be Birmingham City manager

Birmingham City have a strong interest in DC United manager Wayne Rooney, sources have told Football Insider.

The club’s American owners are expecting major improvements from the team, who are 12th in the Championship after Tuesday’s 4-1 win over Huddersfield Town.

The owners explored making a big-name appointment after completing their takeover in the summer.

But they have kept faith with John Eustace, who took over in the summer of 2022.

However, his position is under threat despite the team’s reasonable start to the campaign and Rooney is firmly on their radar.

He is seen by the Birmingham owners as having the profile, potential and status to elevate the club, and also the potential to make a big impact in what would be his second spell in England as a manager following his time in charge of Derby County.

US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed their takeover of the Championship side in July and are an affiliate of Knighthead Capital Management, who have links to American sports star Tom Brady.

Birmingham finished last season 17th in the English second tier under Eustace and have had a solid start to the new campaign with four wins and three draws from their opening ten games.

Rooney has been manager of DC United for just over a year and has taken charge of 52 matches with his current contract due to expire in December.

The former England captain has expressed his frustration about a failure to progress in new contract talks after approaching club bosses to propose an extension of his terms.

DC United are currently 11th in the MLS with 37 points from their 33 games and were beaten in the Leagues Cup by Austin last night.

All four of the teams below them have at least one game in hand on Rooney’s side.

In other news, Birmingham City and Reading race to sign Bournemouth star.