Garry Monk is reportedly prepared to take over at relegation-threatened Birmingham City as he targets a swift return to Championship management.

The former Middlesbrough boss has been linked with a couple of positions since losing his job at the Riverside Stadium on December 23.

According to The Sun, Monk is open to becoming the Blues' fifth manager in 16 months and could bring former number two Pep Clotet - sacked by Oxford United in January - with him to the West Midlands.

Birmingham got rid of Steve Cotterill on Saturday evening following a run of five successive defeats, leaving the club two points adrift of safety.

The whole of Cotterill's backroom staff have been moved on, too, giving Monk licence to bring in anyone he sees fit.