Aston Villa are ignoring the bitter war of words between the two clubs, not to mention a backlash from Villa supporters, and were meeting Birmingham boss Alex McLeish at a secret London location to discuss becoming manager at Villa Park. Press Association Sport understands Birmingham are taking legal advice to decide what course of action to pursue against Villa, with McLeish having resigned from his post with them via email on The Blues believe Villa were guilty of "tapping up" McLeish although this has still to be confirmed.
Birmingham, who were relegated from the top flight last season, are also looking for £5.4 million compensation to cover the remaining two years of McLeish's contract and have yet to formally accept his resignation.