Albion boss Gus Poyet is believed to be near the top of Stoke City’s wish list as they look to replace Tony Pulis.

Roberto Martinez and Roberto di Matteo are also being linked in the Potteries with the now vacant job at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke are thought to want a less hands-on manager than Pulis, possibly more of a head coach.

They also want their new man to publicly embrace the academy system.

Although Stoke fended off fears of relegation, they are keen for a change of direction in terms of playing style.

Pulis, 55, had been in charge for ten years.

His replacement will have scope to bring in his own backroom team with Pulis’s support crew of Dave Kemp, Gerry Francis, Adrian Pennock and fitness coach Paul Maxwell also likely to depart.

Director of football John Rudge was already set to leave Stoke.

Mark Hughes had moved to the top of the betting for the vacant position this morning but Poyet was as short-priced as 5/1.