Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira could be handed a route back into English football by West Brom as they look to appoint a new boss.
The Baggies suffered a play-off semi-final defeat to local rivals Aston Villa on Tuesday evening, which could now lead to a mass exodus from the Hawthorns - with former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs amongst those tipped to leave.
Incoming deals are likely though, with Albion having money to spend, and the plan is to assemble a fresh, young crop of players who can guide the club back to the Premier League.
As part of that, the Telegraph reports that former Arsenal skipper Vieira is being considered to take charge of the club and finds himself on a shortlist alongside Chris Hughton and Slavisa Jokanovic.
Hughton was controversially sacked by Brighton this week despite securing top-flight safety, while Jokanovic was axed by Fulham earlier in the season as the Cottagers unsuccessfully looked to retain their status in the Premier League.
Vieira, meanwhile, has long been tipped as a future Arsenal manager and has guided OGC Nice well in Ligue 1, having made his first strides in management in the United States with New York City FC.
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Whether he would be tempted by a move to the Championship remains to be seen and it is clear he will also have to win over a West Brom board who have their eyes set on achieving big goals next term.
Paddy Power are the only bookmakers currently offering odds on the next permanent Baggies manager and Patrick Vieira is not included in the list.
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