Paul Montgomery

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Chelsea are lining up a swoop for Birmingham's head of recruitment Paul Montgomery, skysports.com understands.

Montgomery has emerged as one of the most highly-rated recruiters in English football and he was a key appointment by manager Alex McLeish in 2008.

He has good contacts in England and abroad, which has been demonstrated in recent months with the likes of Alex Hleb and Nikola Zigic being lured to St Andrews.

Montgomery's hold on the domestic market is also very good, with lower league signings such as Scott Dann and Roger Johnson now shinning with Birmingham.

Chelsea are looking for a replacement for Frank Arnesen, who has confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season.

Former Barcelona technical secretary Txiki Beguiristain is thought to be one name on their list, but now Montgomery has also emerged as a candidate.

And even if Chelsea opted for Beguiristain or another foreign chief to replace Arnesen, Montgomery could still be wanted by Stamford Bridge bosses to enhance their scouting resources.

A former European scout with West Ham and Rangers, Montgomery is also highly respected on the continent and was previously offered a position with Barcelona.

Interesting idea.. Anyone got any history on this guy?

[Madmax 9,219]

Sounds good eh? Though I'm more interested in what position we're looking at. And what role will he be given.

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Sounds good eh? Though I'm more interested in what position we're looking at. And what role will he be given.

Hopefully the same one as he's got at Birmingham. Finding young, brilliant talent that's homegrown and available on the cheap

[Madmax 9,219]

With Roman, you're never really sure

In Soviet Russia, role decides you

[Kostas 1,468]

Was going to post this one..

Can't say I know anything about him but is he big enough to deal with Chelsea's transfers ?

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Was going to post this one..

Can't say I know anything about him but is he big enough to deal with Chelsea's transfers ?

That's what I'm wondering. The expectation will be a great deal bigger for our transfers. Though I don't mind if he can find us another Scott Dann (or get us Phil Jone)

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Montgomery rules out Chelsea job..

"It's flattering that a club like Chelsea seems to have noticed my work," he said.

"However, I came to do a job at Birmingham with a manager I respect and like as a person - and I would like to finish what I have only just started.

"We are looking to build up a recruitment network here that will improve things for Birmingham.

"A lot of hard work has already gone in, and there is plenty still to be done."