West Brom eager to poach Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael

West Brom have approach Barnsley to request to speak to manager Valerien Ismael over head coach vacancy. West Brom  have been without a manager following Sam Allardyce’s departure after relegation from Premier League

Discussions are ongoing between the two clubs over the issue of compensation.

This is Albion’s first move since sporting director Luke Dowling left the club earlier this week, and since chief executive Xu Ke, who takes the English name Ken, took control of football matters.

Ex-Wolfsburg boss Ismael led Barnsley to the Championship play-off semi-finals last season, where they were beaten by Swansea City.

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He has previously managed Greek club Apollon Smyrnis and Austrian side LASK.

Former boss Sam Allardyce quit the Baggies at the end of last season following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

The club’s owners decided not to pursue former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder for the role and then talks broke down with former Huddersfield boss David Wagner, who is expected to take charge at Swiss side Young Boys.