Belgium sides Genk and Brugge register an interest in Canada’s highly-rated manager John Herdman

Birmingham are facing competition from clubs in Belgium for Canada’s highly-rated English manager John Herdman.

Genk and Brugge have County Durham-born Herdman in their sights along with Birmingham after being alerted by the historic job he has done with Canada.

Canada continued their impressive rise under Herdman who steered them to their first World Cup in 36 years when they qualified for Qatar in March.

In doing so he became the first man to lead both a national men’s and women’s team to a World Cup.

The growing interest represents a concern for Canada who will want Herdman, 46, to remain in place for the tournament later this year.

Birmingham have considered Herdman with doubts continuing over the long-term future of manager Lee Bowyer, who is waiting for the club’s ownership situation to become clearer amid their ongoing takeover talk.

Canada have continued their impressive rise under the 46-year-old manager – who guided them to first World Cup in 36 years when they qualified for Qatar in March

Birmingham have considered Herdman with doubts over the long-term future of Lee Bowyer

Genk are on the hunt for a new manager after parting company with previous manager Bernd Storck last week.

Brugge finished the season as Belgian champions but lost their manager Alfred Schreuder to Ajax, who selected him to replace Erik ten Hag following his move to Manchester United.

Former Sunderland academy coach Herdman has put himself on the map with his work at international level in both the women’s and men’s games.

He had a five-year spell in charge of New Zealand’s women’s team leading them to the 2007 and 2011 World Cups, Beijing Olympics in 2008 and also enjoying progress with their Under-20s.

Genk are on the hunt for a new manager after parting company with Bernd Storck last week

Herdman’s side have been drawn in Group F for the World Cup – it also contains Belgium, Morocco and Croatia

In 2011 he took over the Canada women’s job, taking them to two Olympic games where they won bronze twice in London 2012 and Rio in 2016.

Herdman then moved to the men’s side and has guided them to their highest ever position in the world rankings – 33 – along with a place at the World Cup.

They have been drawn in Group F which also contains Belgium, Morocco and Croatia.