Major new West Brom manager update as ex-Man Utd coach tipped for interview

Rene Hake is in talks to become West Brom’s new permanent manager according to a new report from transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano. It’s claimed West Brom are conducting interviews with three different candidates who have all been added to a reduced shortlist.

Progress has been very quiet ever since Corberan left The Hawthorns on December 24 but there’s now some promising movement. Chris Brunt and Damia Abella have had joint responsibility on the West Brom touchline in the interim period. Results haven’t been catastrophic as Albion have won one, drawn two and lost one – but important points have been dropped.

The 2-1 defeat away at Derby County on Boxing Day hurt, the 1-1 draw at Sheffield United was a triumph, the 3-1 victory over Preston North End was a boost and the 1-1 draw against Swansea was a little disappointing.

The last of those opponents, the Swans, recently had their head coach linked heavily with the Albion vacancy. Luke Williams emerged as the clear favourite at the end of December and start of January - and the 44-year-old refused to rule himself out of the running - but that story has since been cooled.

Hake is the only coach to be credibly linked so far and there aren’t reporters much more reliable than Romano. It’s likely further updates will emerge from the Italian journalist in the coming days as West Brom aim to appoint Corberan’s successor. Formerly the manager of FC Twente, Cambuur, Jong Utrecht, Utrecht and Go Ahead Eagles, Hake boasts plenty of experience in Dutch football. The 53-year-old was most recently Erik ten Hag’s assistant manager at Old Trafford but he’s been out of work since November, when Ruben Amorim was appointed at Old Trafford.

Hake bids farewell to Man Utd

The Dutchman left his role with Go Ahead Eagles in the summer to join up with ten Hag at United. Speaking of his experience in Manchester, he said: “It has been a wonderful experience serving as assistant manager of Manchester United and, while it has ended sooner than I would have liked, I am leaving with nothing but good feelings about this great football club and its brilliant fans.

“I would like to thank Erik ten Hag for giving me the opportunity, and all the players and staff for the strong connection and co-operation during this period. We tried so hard to get us on the right track this season, and we felt we could get there – but that’s football. Now it’s time for me to rest and recharge before the next challenge, while wishing everyone at Manchester United all the success for the future.”