West Brom have rubbished reports Chris Hughton is on the verge of becoming the club’s new manager.
The Baggies surprisingly axed Roberto Di Matteo last week and placed Michael Appleton in caretaker charge, but reports this week suggested former Newcastle United boss Hughton will be named the Italian’s replacement.
However, a West Brom spokesperson said: “Contrary to widespread reports in today's media, I can categorically state that no decision has yet been made by the football club regarding the appointment of a new head coach.”
Meanwhile, Appleton is determined to take his chance to stake a claim for the permanent position.
The former Albion midfielder, 35, said: “I've never hidden the fact that I want to be a manager. I've gone out and taken all of the badges that are necessary to take that step.
“I think my personality and the strengths I bring to football clubs, eventually that was always going to be the step.
“Now I find myself in a position where I'm taking over the side for the foreseeable future until I'm told differently, and I'm going to try to grasp the opportunity.”