Gary Rowett and Mike Phelan are reportedly the only two men in contention to land the vacant managerial position at Birmingham City.
The Blues are in the hunt for a new boss after sacking Lee Clark earlier this week following two years at the club.
Burton Albion manager Rowett is said to have already opened talks with the Championship club, although the Birmingham Mail claims that former Manchester United assistant Phelan is also in contention.
The report suggests that Owen Coyle, tipped by many to take over at St Andrew's, has fallen out of the running to take over.
Birmingham have won just two league games this season to find themselves hovering precariously above the drop zone.