Garry Monk has agreed to take charge of Birmingham City, making a quick return to management.

Monk was sacked by Middlesbrough in December, after only taking charge of the club in the summer – but sources have confirmed to me that he has agreed a new role with Birmingham.

Monk is set to bring in James Beattie and also his former number two from his Leeds days Pep Clotet – who did not make the move to Boro as he took the Oxford job, but he has since left them and is set to reunite with Monk at Birmingham.

The Blues have moved for Monk after sacking Steve Cotterill, who himself only took charge on in September when he succeeded Harry Redknapp – but he has won just six matches form 24.

The club are two points adrift of safety in 22nd with 11 games remaining, and coincidentally Monk’s first game is set to be against Boro on Tuesday at St Andrews.

Bookmakers have already closed their markets on Birmingham, with Monk set to be named.

BetVictor’s Michael Triffitt commented “Garry Monk was backed from 12/1 into 4/6 during the week to become the next Birmingham boss.

“Punters obviously had the word as Steve Cotterill was axed yesterday following Birmingham’s defeat at Nottingham Forest with media reporting Monk will be installed very soon.

“With the Blues struggling to avoid the drop it may seem a gamble for anyone taking over the role at St Andrews but Monk must feel he can keep the Midland giants up this term.”