Skysports.com can confirm Chris Hughton met with Birmingham to discuss their managerial vacancy.

Former Newcastle boss odds-on for St Andrews post

can confirm Chris Hughton met with Birmingham on Friday to discuss their managerial vacancy. Blues are searching for a new boss following the shock resignation of Alex McLeish last weekend. McLeish parted company with the St Andrews outfit to take charge of bitter local rivals Aston Villa after securing the Carling Cup but suffering relegation in the same season. Hughton is now the 1/8 odds-on favourite with bookmakersfor the role and could be installed in the coming days. The former Newcastle manager has been out of work after being axed by the Magpies back in December despite guiding them back into the Premier League from the Championship at the first time of asking. The respected coach's efforts in the North East have brought him to the attention of the Birmingham board as they seek an immediate return to the top-flight. Former West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has also put his name forward for the job but it looks as though Hughton is in pole position for the post.