Garry Monk’s future as Birmingham manager has been plunged into doubt after a fallout with the Championship club hierarchy.

Monk is facing the exit at St. Andrew’s following a total breakdown in his relationship with influential chief executive Xuandong Ren.

It is understood Monk and Ren have clashed on numerous occasions but a recent meeting over the club’s strategy for next season has now raised the genuine prospect of the manager leaving.

Sources have claimed that Ren, known at the club as ‘Dong’, was even openly discussing the potential sacking of Monk with club staff on Wednesday at the training ground.

Monk is believed to be planning ahead for the new season, and has no intention of quitting, yet his future is certainly in doubt at this stage as Ren considers his next move.

His departure after 15 months in charge would be a huge blow to the club’s supporters and raise fresh questions over the power wielded by Ren.

Last season the former Swansea manager was forced to work under significant restrictions, operating under a business plan which only allowed him to sign loans and free transfers.