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West Brom focus manager search on three key candidates

Dean Smith has extended his Brentford contract
Image: Brentford boss Dean Smith is understood to be one of the candidates in the running for the West Brom job

West Brom are considering approaches to talk to three men who are already in jobs at other clubs, Sky Sports News understands, as they narrow down their search for a new manager.

Brentford's Dean Smith, Bristol City's Lee Johnson and Leicester City's assistant manager Michael Appleton are all thought to be high up on Albion's list of possible candidates.

Baggies' chief executive Mark Jenkins is keen to make an appointment soon after the end of the season, to give the new manager as much time as possible to re-shape the squad.

Bristol City's English manager Lee Johnson arrives for the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Manchester City and Bristol City
Image: Lee Johnson guided Bristol City to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup this season

That need for speed is tempered by Albion's determination to respect the sensitivities of situations at other clubs.

Current caretaker boss Darren Moore, is also a candidate having impressed with his turnaround in the team's form - West Brom have beaten Manchester United and Newcastle United away - and remain unbeaten in his four games in charge.

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Newcastle 0-1 West Brom

However, Sky Sports News understands the club's hierarchy are aware he has never been a manager before and that the demands of a 46-game season, if the team is relegated, is a tough task for a novice.

Any new appointment may include a demand that Moore is kept on as part of the new coaching staff.

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Sky Sports News understands Brentford want to keep Smith and are planning for next season with him in place.

SWANSEA, WALES - OCTOBER 21:  Leicester caretaker Manager Michael Appleton reacts during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Leicester City a
Image: Leicester assistant manager Michael Appleton

West Brom still have a mathematical chance of retaining their Premier League status, although they would have to win both of their remaining games - at home to Tottenham and away to Crystal Palace - and hope other results go their way if they are to have any chance of staying up.

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