Alex McLeish's Blues future in doubt

Alex McLeish's future as Birmingham manager has been thrown into doubt after talks over a new deal stalled.

The former Rangers and Scotland boss has been in talks over a new contract for some time, but as yet no deal has been agreed.

Blues were keen to reward McLeish after ninth spot last season on the back of winning promotion to the Premier League the season before.

But vice-chairman Peter Pannu claims McLeish is asking for too much money and the boss is also thought to have fallen out with the board following a jibe from Pannu that the Scot is 'no Jose Mourinho'.

"I've been in talks with his representative and he was asking for a very large amount of money which I was not prepared to meet," said Pannu.

Pannu admits McLeish deserved a bonus, but he felt the Scot was still not the finished article.

"He's not been tried and tested yet," said Pannu. "The club was relegated, then promoted and last year we stayed up, so he's done well. But to suggest that he is in the top class like a Mourinho, well, he's no Mourinho yet. The ball is in his court."

McLeish has refused to comment on the situation.