Football
Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondent 6y

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill keen on West Brom job - sources

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill is interested in the vacant manager's job at West Bromwich Albion and is on the club's list of potential options, sources have told ESPN FC.

West Brom are beginning their search for a new manager following Monday's sacking of Pulis, who spent just less than three years in charge at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies have picked up just two wins in 21 Premier League games and Saturday's 4-0 home defeat to Chelsea has left them just one point above the relegation zone.

The Irish Football Association wants to keep hold of O'Neill and has opened talks over a new deal, but would likely struggle to match an offer from West Brom should the Premier League club firm up their interest.

Sources close to O'Neill have told ESPN FC that he is interested in both the West Brom and Scotland posts.

A number of names have been linked with the vacancy at The Hawthorns, including ex-Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare, Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes and former St Etienne boss Oscar Garcia, but sources close to West Brom have told ESPN FC that Northern Ireland manager O'Neill has admirers within the club following the impressive work he has done with his country. 

O'Neill has been in charge of Northern Ireland for six years and guided them to the round of 16 at Euro 2016 -- their first major finals since the 1986 World Cup.

Northern Ireland narrowly missed out on qualification to next summer's World Cup after losing to Switzerland in a playoff earlier this month, leading to speculation over O'Neill's future.

O'Neill's stock is high and the Scottish Football Association has made an approach for him as they look to name Gordon Strachan's successor as manager.

Pulis took charge of West Brom in January 2015 when they were 17th in the table and guided them away from trouble to 13th before following that up with 14th and 10th-placed finishes.

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