The former Newcastle boss is close to tying up a deal to become Alex McLeish's replacement at St. Andrew's.

Hughton is believed to have edged ahead of Roberto Di Matteo in the battle to take charge of Blues.

Hughton has been out of football since parting company with Newcastle after a 3-1 defeat at West Brom in early December despite the Magpies being in mid-table in the Premier League in their first year back in the top flight following promotion.