By Wayne Veysey

21st Oct, 2023 | 10:00am

Sources: Birmingham City in advanced talks to agree deal with ex-Man City chief Mike Rigg

Former Man City transfer chief Mike Rigg is in advanced talks to join Birmingham City in January as part of their recruitment team, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed a full agreement with the 53-year-old is now close following recent negotiations.

Rigg is currently employed as sporting director at Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates after arriving at the club in October 2022.

Football Insider previously revealed earlier this month (10 October) that Birmingham have set their sights on a new sporting director with current technical director Craig Gardner under pressure to keep his job.

It is believed Gardner’s position is considered under threat, but sources say the 36-year-old has a “tight contract” at St Andrews and is therefore expected to stay on and work with Rigg initially.

The ex-Blues midfielder was appointed in the role in June 2021 following a stint in the side’s coaching setup.

New Birmingham owners Shelby Companies Limited have undertaken a shake-up since their arrival in the summer.

CEO Garry Cook is eager to add Rigg to the backroom staff as part of the latest stage of the transformation of the Championship club.

The two men have previously worked together at Man City, where Rigg was the sporting director between 2008 and 2012.

Birmingham have also recently appointed Wayne Rooney as the new manager after parting with John Eustace earlier this month.

The appointment has raised some eyebrows in the world of football, with Eustace dismissed despite guiding Birmingham to sixth place in the Championship table after 11 games.

Rooney will take charge of his first Blues game away at Middlesbrough on Saturday (21 October).

In other news, giants to reject Birmingham offer for star man.