Birmingham City have warned West Bromwich Albion off their manager Chris Hughton.
The Baggies are in the market for a new manager following Roy Hodgson's appointment as Fabio Capello's successor as England manager.
Reports have suggested that the Blues' manager could be the subject of an approach from West Brom, but Birmingham have now told their Midlands neighbours to keep their hands off.
Hughton took over at St Andrews following Alex McLeish's appointment as Aston Villa boss.