Former Man City football director looks to join Birmingham to work with Rooney

Former Manchester City director of football Mike Rigg is to join Birmingham City as the ambitious Championship side look to revamp their academy.

The 53-year old is understood to be working his notice as sporting director with Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates who are coached by Frank de Boer.

He will then take up a role to lead Birmingham's academy recruitment.

Rigg has been pinpointed by chief executive Garry Cook as the man who can find new talent for the club as they look to build for the future under manager Wayne Rooney.

Birmingham already boast a number of talented youngsters in and around their first team squad and have produced the likes of Jude and Jobe Bellingham in recent years.

They lost their Category One Academy status last year but have signalled their intent to regain that status under their new ownership with the hope of having it in place for 2025/26.

Cook wrote a letter to parents of the club's young players last week outlining their ambition to move forward while Rigg will be tasked with finding more budding prospects.

Rigg played a part in bringing Sergio Aguero to Manchester City and has held a series of senior roles with the likes of Burnley, Fulham, QPR, Blackburn Rovers and England.