West Bromwich Albion are closing in on Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton.

The Sun says the Baggies want Hughton as their new boss after holding a series of secret interviews in London yesterday.

The decision to go for Hughton is sure to put Baggies on a collision course with Midlands rivals Birmingham who are fiercely opposed to losing their manager.

It is now likely the clubs will lock horns in a £1million compensation battle over the 53-year-old, who is currently on a 12-month rolling contract with the Blues.