Birmingham City have warned West Bromwich Albion against any approach for manager Chris Hughton.

The Daily Mail says it is the second time inside 12 months that the Blues face losing their manager to a rival following Alex McLeish's defection to Aston Villa.

A Birmingham source said that any attention would be treated as "hostile" and the clubs' healthy working relationship would be jeopardised if contact was made through anything other than official channels.