BIRMINGHAM could look completely different under Wayne Rooney.
Manchester United legend Rooney is set to take over the Blues after leaving his position at D.C. United in Major League Soccer.
SunSport understands the 37-year-old will pocket THREE TIMES the salary of predecessor John Eustace, who was sacked yesterday, if he takes the job.
NFL legend and new co-owner Tom Brady is said to be worth an eye-watering £245million ($300million), and could bankroll a few fresh faces for the team under Rooney.
And like he did at Derby and D.C. United, Rooney could use his links and pull power to bring in some big names.
So who might be on the list and how could it look on paper?
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There are a number of former Man Utd stars who Rooney played with currently out in the football wilderness.
Jesse Lingard is one such star who could be given a new lease of life in the Championship.
Lingard was on trial at West Ham before jetting to Saudi Arabia to train with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq side.
However, the 30-year-old has not yet been signed up by the Pro League outfit and Rooney could make a late call to convince him to return to England.
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Likewise, Phil Jones does not have a club at present but has begun coaching in the Man Utd academy.
Should Jones, whose player contract with the club expired over the summer, seek to lace up his boots on the pitch again, Birmingham may represent the perfect chance to do so.
Christian Benteke is another who Rooney recruited for his MLS side, and could also fancy a second go in England should the Evertonian come calling.
One ambitious star Rooney could convince Birmingham chiefs to go for is goalkeeper David de Gea.
The Spaniard won the Premier League golden glove last summer yet is without a club after seeing his Red Devils contract expire over the summer.
He has been busy sharing clips of his training on Instagram, with fans convinced his most recent one came in light of another Andre Onana error for United.
The 32-year-old would certainly need to take a huge wage cut to join the Blues, but getting back on his feet in the game may help to improve his prospects going forward.
Scott McTominay is another star who Rooney could try to coax to St. Andrews.
The Scot was the hero for Erik ten Hag’s side when they faced off with Brentford at the weekend, scoring two late goals as United snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
However, with his game time limited, new surroundings could be beckoning for the 26-year-old.
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Birmingham currently sit in sixth in the Championship having won five of their 11 games so far.
There is a strong core to the team already, but they will need improvements to if they are to return to the Premier League for the first time in more than a decade.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
