West Bromwich Albion 'close to appointing Barnsley's Valerien Ismael'

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael as Sam Allardyce's successor.

The Baggies have been searching for a new manager since their relegation from the Premier League last season and, after failed interest in Chris Wilder, Roy Hodgson and David Wagner, Ismael is now close to agreeing terms at the Hawthorns.

Ismael was appointed manager of Barnsley in October 2020 and helped the club defy the odds in the Championship as they made it into the playoffs, just one season on from being on the brink of relegation to League One.

Football Insider reports that a deal between West Brom and Ismael is now close, as the manager has agreed personal terms with Albion chiefs.

West Brom will now have to approach Barnsley to discuss releasing the Frenchman from his contract at Oakwell, and it is reported that the West Midlands club will have to pay a £2m release clause.

The 45-year-old signed a three-year deal with Barnsley, meaning that his current contract remains until the summer of 2023.