Gary Rowett to remain as Birmingham manager after Fulham interest

Gary Rowett is to remain as Birmingham City manager despite interest from Championship rivals Fulham.

It is understood the Whites had targeted Rowett after missing out on Reading boss Steve Clarke, who turned down the chance to move to Craven Cottage last week.

Sky Sports News HQ reported earlier this month that Clarke was on a shortlist that also included the former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson and Exeter boss Paul Tisdale.

And the ill-fated move for Clarke came after Fulham's discussions with first-choice Pearson also stalled.

The West London club are on the hunt for a new head coach after sacking previous manager Kit Symons on November 8.

Fulham want a head coach as opposed to a manager to allow chief football officer Mike Rigg to have more central control of transfers in and out of the club.

Fulham caretaker manager Peter Grant was in the dugout for last weekend's 1-1 draw with MK Dons and will continue in the role against Preston North End on Saturday.