By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

8th Oct, 2023 | 6:03pm

Sources: Wayne Rooney agrees deal to be new Birmingham City manager - and Man United and Chelsea legends join him

Wayne Rooney has agreed a deal to become the new manager of Championship side Birmingham City, sources have told Football Insider.

The 37-year-old left his role at MLS side DC United by mutual consent on Sunday morning.

He is now set to replace John Eustace at St Andrew’s after striking a deal with the Blues hierarchy.

Football Insider understands that Rooney will be joined in Birmingham by Ashley Cole and John O’Shea, who have both agreed to join his backroom staff.

Rooney’s DC United side failed to reach the MLS playoffs this season, and the former Man United captain announced on Sunday that he is leaving the club.

He took the managerial job in Washington in July 2022 following his resignation from Derby County.

Rooney took charge of the Rams for two seasons and was unable to keep them in the Championship amid financial struggles at Pride Park.

The former Red Devils star is now set to return to the Championship with Birmingham, who sit sixth in the table after the first 11 matches of the 2023/24 season.

Football Insider first revealed on Thursday (5 October) that Birmingham had made Rooney a leading contender to replace Eustace.

Current Blues boss Eustace has been regularly linked to the vacancy at Rangers following the sacking of Michael Beale in Glasgow.

Despite denying reports that he will be leaving Birmingham, the 43-year-old is set to depart his managerial role 15 months after taking charge of the club.

In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals Birmingham City ‘suspicion’ after Tom Brady takeover twist