West Brom want to hold talks with Charlton manager Lee Bowyer over the vacant role in the Hawthorns dugout after his promotion winning campaign with the Addicks, according to the Express and Star.
The newspaper claim on their website that despite having spoken to Slaven Bilic and making the former West Ham boss their first choice, the Baggies are keen to sit down with Bowyer over a potential move.
Bowyer, who is said to be in the final month of his contract at Charlton, with discussions over extending his stay on the cards, helped his side secure a place in the Championship next season with a play-off victory over Sunderland at Wembley.
Opinion
Bowyer has done an impressive job in his first season as a manager but it remains to be seen whether he has got the ability to go from League One play-off winner to Championship promotion hopefuls. There might not be as much of a gulf in quality between the second and third tiers of English football as there is the Premier League and the Championship, but it is still uncharted waters for Bowyer. He has probably over-performed while cutting his teeth with Charlton and you can understand why there is such interest in holding talks with the former Newcastle midfielder. However, West Brom should be looking for a manager with a proven record at this point – otherwise they risk suffering another season in the second tier. The Hawthorns faithful demand success and after being beaten by fierce rivals Aston Villa in the play-offs, there will be more desperation than ever to return to the top flight. This is why the Baggies chiefs are yet to make a decision – but how much longer can they delay appointing a manager?