By Wayne Veysey

10th Oct, 2023 | 7:38am

Sources: Birmingham City set sights on new sporting director as Gardner under threat

Birmingham City technical director Craig Gardner could be next to leave the club as the US owners accelerate a complete management overhaul, sources have told Football Insider.

As revealed by Football Insider, Wayne Rooney has agreed to a deal to be the new manager, with John O’Shea and Ashley Cole joining him and the appointment is set to be announced this week.

John Eustace was sacked on Monday, a day after Rooney quit DC United, in what was a surprise to many fans given their solid start to their Championship campaign.

The Blues are currently sixth in the league and have won five and drawn three of their opening 11 games of the campaign under Eustace.

The news of the manager’s departure comes at a time when sources have revealed that Gardner’s position is also under huge threat.

He could be the next senior member of staff to go as the shake-up continues.

The new owners are said to want a new sporting director who will work with Rooney on recruiting players that would fit the incoming manager’s system.

Rooney took over as manager of DC United last summer after just over a year in charge of Derby County when they were strapped for cash and forced to sell many of their top players.

In the MLS, Rooney was in the dug out for 48 matches, winning 12, drawing 13 and losing 23 of those games.

The US club are currently ninth in the league table with 40 points from 34 matches as the end of the season approaches.

Birmingham take on Middlesbrough immediately following the international break in what is expected to be Rooney’s first game in charge.

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