Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri is in talks with West Bromwich Albion.

The Telegraph says Ranieri was summoned for an interview at Albion's London office yesterday and met Jeremy Peace, the chairman, and sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth.

The 60 year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Milan in March but could make his return to the Premier League for the first time since May 2004, when he was replaced at Stamford Bridge by Jose Mourinho.

Albion are intent on naming a new manager by next week and are also interested in Birmingham's Chris Hughton, though an approach has still not been made to their Midlands neighbours.