Birmingham City are reportedly hopeful of naming Gianfranco Zola as the successor to Gary Rowett, who was surprisingly sacked as manager following a successful two-year stint in charge.
The Blues parted company with the 42-year-old and his backroom staff on Wednesday afternoon, despite the midweek victory over Ipswich Town lifting the club to within three points of third place.
City released a statement that outlined their plans to make an "immediate" appointment for the vacant role, with one eye on the January window which is now just over a fortnight away.
According to the Daily Mail, Birmingham's Far East owners - who are willing to heavily back the new man - have already targeted Chelsea legend Zola to take over at St Andrew's.
It is claimed that Zola's iconic status in the game helps him fit the bill, with the club targeting a high-profile name, and the Italian is ready for a return to the game after seeing a switch to Hull City fall through in the summer.
A separate report in The Sun suggests that Birmingham's playing squad are unhappy about the decision to sack popular manager Rowett, who has turned down a number of elusive jobs over the past 12 months.
Daniel Lewis
