Steve Bruce eyes exit door

Steve Bruce has been slashed from 20/1 to 8/1 to be the next Premier League manager to go, according to some bookmakers as Birmingham's start to the season and their impending takeover takes hold. The Birmingham boss' future appears uncertain as Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung looks set to take over the club in a £50m buy-out, while a league position that sees the newly promoted club 13th in the Premier League with eight points from nine matches, and just one point above the relegation zone. "It doesn't look good," Bruce said. "Mr Sullivan [club owner] said the vibes coming back from the Chinese consortium are negative. I know where I stand, that's for sure. I don't think at the moment there is any talk of a further contract. There is effectively a block. Bruce's current deal, which was agreed in May, cannot be taken forward because, under Stock Exchange takeover rules, no new major contracts can be signed when buy-out negotiations are ongoing, unless the paperwork is sanctioned by the club's shareholders. "I've 20 months to run, so I'll just get on with it and see when the new people do eventually take over exactly what plans they've got," the 46-year-old former Manchester United defender said. Spurs' Martin Jol has been eased to 6/4, from evens after his side narrowly missed the opportunity to beat Liverpool at Anfield - only succumbing to the draw after a Fernando Torres equaliser in injury time. Ladbrokes spokesman, Nick Weinberg, said: "By his own admission things are not looking good for Steve Bruce. "There are plenty of managers under pressure. Martin Jol may have bought himself a bit of time with his side's away draw against Liverpool. "But Spurs' inability to hold onto a lead may ultimately cost him." Michael Owen is 5/1 to break Bobby Charlton's England scoring record during the Euro 2008 finals. The Newcastle striker is 6/4 to better the mark during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. David Beckham is 1/7 to reach 100 caps. The former skipper, currently on 97, is 4/1 not to make it to three figures. Andriy Shevchenko is 11/10 to no longer be a Chelsea player at the close of the January transfer window. The Ukrainian is 1/ 2 to not be at Stamford Bridge for the start of next term. (Editor's Note: Steve Bruce is not doing a bad job at Birmingham considering they are newly promoted but business may dictate he loses his job. If that's the case he is excellent value to be the next boss to go. Follow all the latest football prices on Ladbrokes!)