West Brom have approached Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael over the vacant manager’s job at the Hawthorns, according to John Percy.
The Lowdown: Manager search goes on
The Baggies were unable to stay in the Premier League last season, suffering relegation back to the Championship, following a forgettable campaign.
Sam Allardyce left his role as manager after the final day and West Brom have been on the lookout for a new boss ever since, with a host of names linked, including Chris Wilder.
The Latest: Percy provides major update
According to the Telegraph’s Percy on Twitter, the Baggies have ‘moved’ for Ismael, with ‘talks ongoing’ and the club prepared to pay Barnsley the seven-figure fee to bring him to the Hawthorns.
“WBA have moved for Valérien Ismaël and want him as their new head coach. Talks ongoing with Barnsley. West Brom are prepared to pay the £2m buyout,” Percy revealed on Friday morning.
The 45-year-old took charge at Oakwell last October, guiding the Tykes into the Championship playoffs at the first attempt.
The Verdict: Ideal candidate?
Ismael looks an exciting potential appointment for West Brom, considering the strides he made in the space of just one year with Barnsley.
The Frenchman has become renowned for playing a rich brand of high-energy, direct football, which could appeal to Baggies supporters.
Ismael looks a bold appointment, should it happen, rather than going for another ageing British manager in the mould of Allardyce.
In other news, West Brom have been linked with a move for a forward this summer. Find out who it is here.