Wayne Rooney in frame for Birmingham City job if John Eustace departs club

• Rooney's contract with DC United expires in December
• Eustace may be Rangers contender if Michael Beale sacked

Wayne Rooney has been identified as a leading contender to succeed John Eustace if the manager was to depart Birmingham City, whose American owners explored making a big-name appointment after completing their takeover earlier this summer.

Rooney, the 37-year-old former England captain, is thought to have admirers within the Birmingham hierarchy. Shelby Companies Limited acquired the club in July and the former NFL star Tom Brady became a minority shareholder of the club in August.