Aston Villa have reportedly enquired about the value of Tony Pulis's escape clause at Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion.
The Villains sacked Paul Lambert following the club's 2-0 defeat at the hands of fellow relegation candidates Hull City.
Several names have been mentioned for the vacant post since Lambert's dismissal, including Glenn Hoddle and Tim Sherwood.
However, The Express claims that Villa have made "discreet enquiries through intermediaries" to discover the cost of releasing Pulis from his contract at The Hawthorns.
It is thought that Birmingham club will need to spend £2.25m to appoint the ex-Stoke City and Crystal Palace coach.
Pulis has only been at West Brom since the start of January, when he replaced Alan Irvine as Baggies manager.
