Wayne Rooney lines up shock former England teammate as first Birmingham City transfer

Birmingham City boss Wayne Rooney is eyeing a move for his former England teammate Jack Butland, according to reports.

Rooney, 37, was appointed as John Eustace's successor after leaving his role at DC United last weekend.

The Manchester United legend is now preparing for his first game in charge at the Blues, which will arrive against Middlesbrough and his former teammate Michael Carrick on October 21.

Elsewhere, Rooney is also shortlisting potential signings ahead of the January transfer window, as he looks to utilise the financial backing of US owner Tom Wagner in the New Year.

A search which could see him reunited with another former teammate via the transfer market, as Rooney looks to complete a shock move for Jack Butland.

According to The Sun, the new boss at St Andrew's will prioritise the signing of a goalkeeper and Butland is currently top of his list.

The 30-year-old shot-stopper played for the club from 2010 to 2013, before securing a transfer to Stoke City, where he would go on to break into the England team and play with Rooney on one occasion.

He now finds himself at Scottish giants Rangers after joining on a free transfer from Crystal Palace this summer.

Wayne Rooney and Jack Butland on England duty

Blues are said to be keen to off-load Neil Etheridge - who is on a large contract - to make way for Butland.

Elsewhere, Rooney also wants to recruit a striker and a central defender, as he looks to reshape the squad and guide them to the Premier League.

Blues currently find themselves in sixth place within the Championship table, outlining how risky replacing Eustace with Rooney could be given their strong start to the 2023/24 campaign.

Following the clash with Middlesbrough, tough tests against Hull City and Southampton will await.