Birmingham City bosses reportedly knew they were going to replace John Eustace with Wayne Rooney last month, but Financial FairPlay (FFP) restrictions meant they had to wait weeks before pulling the trigger.
The Blues sacked Eustace on Monday and Rooney, who left his job at DC United in the MLS over the weekend, is expected to be formally appointed this week.
The decision to part ways with the 43-year-old raised eyebrows, particularly as it came just days after a 3-1 derby win over West Bromwich Albion on Friday left Birmingham sixth in the Championship after 11 games.