West Bromwich Albion are ready to intensify their pursuit of Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton.
PA Sport says the Baggies are poised to ask Blues for permission to speak to Hughton in the next 24 to 48 hours.
Albion have held talks with former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri and ex-Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Ray Wilkins as they seek a replacement for new England boss Roy Hodgson.
But it is understood Hughton remains the preferred option of Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace.