Ron Atkinson could be taken on at Birmingham City

Ron Atkinson could make a sensational return to West Midlands football as part of Gianni Paladini's Birmingham City FC takeover.

The 73-year-old former Albion and Villa manager and Express & Star columnist, a friend of the Italian agent, has been earmarked for a role at Blues should Paladini's consortium take control at St Andrew's.

The group have been in talks with the Blues board for two months and claim to have submitted a deal for the club worth £25m.

Blues, whose owner Carson Yeung faces trial on £59m money laundering charges in November, want £40m for the club, which they bought for £81.5m three years ago.

Solihull-based Paladini has outlined more of his plans, should his party gain control. "You need people with experience of business, of course, but also experience of running a football club," he said.

"If we took over, I would probably ask Ron Atkinson to help me.

"I've known Ron for years and we're good friends. He's local and his knowledge and expertise is great.

"I would need somebody around to help. It (the position) would be as a sporting director – something like that maybe."