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Harry Redknapp on verge of finalising one-year Birmingham deal - report

Harry Redknapp is close to agreeing a new one-year contract to stay on as Birmingham manager, Press Association Sport reports.

The 70-year-old has been in talks with the club and a deal could be finalised by the end of the week.

Redknapp was appointed by Birmingham last month for the final three games of the season -- after Gianfranco Zola quit -- and kept the club in the Championship on the final day.

Sunday's 1-0 win at Bristol City ensured survival as Birmingham finished 19th, two points above the relegation zone, with Blackburn dropping into League One.

Under Redknapp, Birmingham also beat Huddersfield 2-0, although they lost the derby against Aston Villa 1-0 in his first game in charge.

He spent Tuesday afternoon in discussions with owners Trillion Trophy Asia, having also met representatives on Sunday, and, unless there is a late hitch in negotiations, the ex-Tottenham manager is expected to stay on.

Redknapp made no secret he would be open to becoming permanent manager, although needed assurances on the club's ambition and transfer budget.

Birmingham are reported to have cash to spend in the summer, even after Zola spent around £10 million on new signings in January.

But Zola, who replaced Gary Rowett in December, only won twice in 24 games before quitting following a 2-0 home defeat to Burton last month.