Birmingham City chairman David Gold admits Alex McLeish could easily be joining a bigger club in the future.
"It certainly struck me that he has similar traits. He has an almost identical background. He even looks like him. If he can be as successful, that would be great.
"I almost want him to be poached because that means he is doing a good job for Birmingham City.
"I see this as a real coup for the club. So what if he's never played Premier League football in England? Jose Mourinho hadn't played or managed here either and he didn't do too badly."
McLeish has NO compensation clause in his contract should prospective new owner Carson Yeung come in and decide he wants a different manager.
Gold said: "It does take a leap of faith on Alex's behalf. But he has the chance to achieve his dream."
