Tony Pulis wants to make Stoke City striker Peter Crouch his first signing as West Bromwich Albion manager.

The Daily Star says Pulis is set to be rubber-stamped as the Baggies' new head coach today on a two-and-a-half year deal, replacing Alan Irvine who was sacked on Monday.

While the Baggies will not tear up their existing structure, which includes a technical director, Pulis will have the final say on transfers.

Pulis brought Crouch to Stoke and while his £50,000-a-week wages are at the top end of Albion's pay scale, their summer move for Joleon Lescott demonstrated signing big earners is within their means.

Another Potters player signed by Pulis and out of contract in the summer, Jonathan Walters, is also under consideration.