Aitor Karanka close to Birmingham City deal?

Aitor Karanka is reportedly edging closer to being named as the new manager of Birmingham City.

The Spaniard has been out of work since being sacked by Middlesbrough in March and was one of the first names linked with the post at St Andrew's after the club parted ways with Harry Redknapp 11 days ago.

According to The Sun, Karanka has been "invited for talks this weekend" and will be in the stands as the side travel to Hull City on Saturday afternoon.

The newspaper claims that Karanka "seems willing" to take the job "despite hoping for better offers over the last few weeks" and will give his final decision after the weekend.

Brum have claimed just five points from the first nine league games of the season and currently sit 23rd in the Championship table.

Lee Carsley has been put in caretaker charge of the side in the wake of Redknapp's departure and will be in the dugout again tonight when they welcome mid-table Sheffield Wednesday to the Midlands.