Roberto Di Matteo at top of Blues list

Roberto Di Matteo and Chris Hughton will go head-to-head for the manager's job at Birmingham after Blues identified them as their top men.

Former Albion head coach Di Matteo and ex-Newcastle boss Hughton – who had talks about the Albion job earlier in the year – are in the running to succeed Alex McLeish.

The pair have reportedly already been interviewed for the post by acting chairman Peter Pannu.

Blues want to make a swift appointment following McLeish's controversial switch to Villa, but only after they have considered every option.

Gianfranco Zola is also a candidate but is yet to speak to Blues, while Alan Curbishley and ex-Wolves manager Dave Jones have been linked to the St Andrew's hot-seat.