Sources: Appleton is the new frontrunner for West Brom job after contact made
Lincoln City manager Michael Appleton is the new frontrunner for the West Brom manager's job, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
Albion have turned their attention to the 45-year-old after, as revealed by this site earlier today, calling off plans to appoint Chris Wilder.
A West Brom source has told Football Insider that contact has been made with Appleton to assess his interest in taking over at the Hawthorns.
He is believed to be keen to return to the club where he spent 10 years as a player and in various coaching roles.
This included a temporary spell in caretaker charge following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo in 2011.
Football Insider first revealed on Wednesday that West Brom chiefs were going cold on Wilder despite extensive talks and his clear enthusiasm for the role.
Appleton also has impressive credentials even though he was denied his second managerial promotion last weekend when Lincoln City were beaten in the League One play-off final by Blackpool.
Appleton has spent the last 18 months in charge of Lincoln and signed a new four-year contract in February that runs until 2025.
That means Albion would have to pay compensation to the League One club to lure their former coach back.
Football Insider revealed on 15th March that Appleton was a leading contender to replace Sam Allardyce.
He quit at the end of the season after the Midlands outfit were relegated from the Premier League.