Wayne Rooney is the leading candidate to take over at Birmingham City.
Talks are ongoing for the former England captain to replace John Eustace, after he was sacked by the Championship club earlier on Monday.
Rooney, 37, departed Major League Soccer side D.C. United by mutual agreement on Saturday night.
Birmingham sit sixth in the Championship table after a strong start to the season but said in a statement that “it is essential that the board of directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire football club”.
It read: “With this in mind, Birmingham City has today parted company with head coach, John Eustace.
“During his time at St. Andrew’s, he galvanised the squad to deliver a number of memorable moments in testing circumstances.
“The club would like to thank John for his contribution. His dedication and work ethic was evident throughout his time in B9 and he will always be welcomed back to St. Andrew’s.”
Under Rooney, D.C. United missed the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, finishing with a 10-10-14 record and 40 points with the club moving to announce his departure following the win over New York City FC on Saturday.
Rooney said it was “the right time” to leave.
“I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs,” he said. “It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing” before going on to suggest he had made no decisions on his next move.
“What lies ahead, I don’t know,” he added. “I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up.”
US-based Shelby Companies Limited completed its takeover of Birmingham back in July with NFL legend Tom Brady announced as a minority investor in August.
Birmingham beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1 in their last outing and face Middlesbrough away on October 21 following the international break.
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