EXCLUSIVE: Clotet on the brink at Birmingham; successor lined up

Birmingham City are set to axe Pep Clotet – and they already have his successor lined up, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Clotet, 42, was Garry Monk’s assistant but the pair fell out when he stayed to replace him at the helm – although the Spaniard was only ever caretaker boss, much to the Sheffield Wednesday manager’s amusement.

Now we can reveal Birmingham – currently 14th in the Championship ahead of Saturday’s home clash against Millwall – are set to make a change.

And our sources clam they have their sights set on Coventry City boss Mark Robins – who they have seen working at close quarters as the Sky Blues are currently playing at their St Andrew’s home.

Robins only signed a new deal earlier this season after Sunderland tried and failed to persuade him to take over at the Stadium of Light, but a move to the Championship – and the short move across the West Midlands – is likely to appeal.

Robins’ new deal does include a release clause, which means Birmingham know they can land the former Huddersfield boss for a set amount without Coventry even agreeing terms.