Championship: Birmingham learn Lee Carsley’s opinion on being named manager while Chris Davies and Craig Gardner struggle for jobs.

According to Football Insider, Championship side Birmingham City have identified Lee Carsley as a top possibility to replace the under-fire Chris Davies.

The England Under-21s boss is a close buddy of director of football Craig Gardner, who is also under intense pressure.

Carlsey earlier turned down Birmingham’s interest, but he is now thought to be open to the idea of managing the club where he previously worked as an assistant manager.

Blues had high expectations for this season following a record-breaking League One performance previous season that saw the EFL points record broken.

However, Birmingham have struggled to adjust to the Championship, sitting 16th and 13 points behind the play-offs.

Chris Davies battles Birmingham pressure.

Football Insider exclusively disclosed in December that Birmingham evaluated Michael Carrick as they reviewed Davies’ future.

Decision-makers eventually opted to back the Welshman, and Carrick returned to Manchester United, where he is expected to be made permanent manager.

Last season, Davies instilled a great deal of confidence at St Andrew’s, with his team scoring at will and seemed unable to lose.

However, this season has provided a reality check. Despite a handful of new additions, Birmingham have battled for consistency, losing six of their past eight Championship games.

Wrexham’s progress has made an already poor season even more difficult, since they ended 19 points behind the Blues last season.

The Welsh side appears to be narrowly missing out on the play-offs, but they have remained in contention throughout the season and are 11 points clear of Birmingham.

The two teams will face off at St Andrew’s on Sunday, with a loss likely meaning the end for Davies.

Carsley is set to return to club management

Carsley has been connected with a number of teams since his brief spell in command of England in 2024.

After Gareth Southgate’s resignation, the 52-year-old took over as temporary manager and won five of his six games until being replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

Before moving into international management, the former Ireland international worked at Coventry City, Brentford, Manchester City, and Birmingham, but he has failed to get a permanent role.

Carsley is a highly rated tactician who has led England’s U21s to successive European Championship victories.