West Brom are set to make official approaches for Dean Smith and Michael Appleton as they ramp up their search for a new head coach.

Smith, the Brentford manager, and Leicester’s No. 2 Appleton are both in the frame to take over at the Hawthorns, with the club facing relegation to the Championship this weekend.

Albion are keen to make an appointment within the next fortnight and will make imminent approaches for targets.

Smith is admired by West Brom’s board for his work at Brentford and Walsall while Appleton, a former Albion coach and player, is also high on their list of contenders.