Birmingham eye former Real Madrid coach as Redknapp successor

Birmingham have invited Aitor Karanka to meet and discuss succeeding Harry Redknapp as their new manager, reports The Sun.

The Championship outfit made the decision to sack Redknapp earlier this month with the club second from bottom in the league.

Redknapp was backed heavily in the summer but Birmingham have struggled to gel together after a mass squad overhaul and now Birmingham are looking to appoint his successor.

Birmingham have reportedly asked to speak with Karanka, who has been out of work since being sacked as Middlesbrough manager in March after failing to consolidate their place in the Premier League.

Karanka, who previously worked as Jose Mourinho’s assistant at Real Madrid, led Middlesbrough to the Premier League during the 2015/16 Championship campaign and Birmingham want repeat success at their club.

Birmingham have not been in the Premier League since the 2010/11 campaign and are currently 13 points adrift of the play offs.