Birmingham ‘draw up 20-man list’ for Wayne Rooney replacement with Frank Lampard tipped for stunning move

TWENTY candidates are in the running to be Birmingham’s new manager following the sacking of Wayne Rooney.

The Blues axed the Manchester United legend after he won just two matches in 15 games.

PA

Wayne Rooney was sacked by Birmingham after winning just twice in 15 matches[/caption]

PA

Frank Lampard is on Birmingham’s shortlist[/caption]

Rooney surprisingly took over from John Eustace after the club made a good start to the season and were as high as sixth in the table when he was dismissed in October.

Birmingham have since slid down to 20th in the Championship.

The club remain on the lookout for a new boss with technical director Craig Gardner and chief executive Garry Cook leading the search.

Ex-Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is set for talks later this week, claim the Daily Mail.

Reports also suggest that Frank Lampard is in the running.

He has a large enough profile to appeal to US owners Knighthead but it is unclear whether the Chelsea legend would want the job.

A return for Eustace has been considered and players are supposedly open to his comeback.

However, such an appointment could undermine NFL legend Tom Brady and the rest of the club’s owners.

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Gary Rowett and Nathan Jones are also on the 20-man list.

Rowett managed Birmingham from 2014 to 2016 and is popular with supporters.

Meanwhile, Jones impressed when in charge of Luton while they were in the Championship but failed to do similar when with Southampton in the Premier League.

Previous speculation has linked ex-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, England Under-21s gaffer Lee Carsley and recently sacked Nottingham Forest chief Steve Cooper with the Birmingham job.

Reuters

Tony Mowbray appears to be the front-runner[/caption]