FORMER Oxford United boss Michael Appleton says he is open to becoming West Bromwich Albion’s new manager.

The 43-year-old, a former player and coach at The Hawthorns, has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacancy.

Darren Moore was surprisingly sacked on Saturday after the Baggies drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town, leaving the side fourth in the Sky Bet Championship.

Appleton, who was reportedly on the verge of becoming Hibernian’s new boss last month, has been without a job since leaving his post as Leicester City assistant manager at the end of last season.

The former Manchester United trainee has been waiting for an opportunity to get back into football and has given a clear indication of his interest in the Baggies job.

Appleton told Sky Sports: "The reality is, I know a lot of people at West Brom, from the chief executive down to the people who work on a matchday.

"They have all got my number, it has not changed in all that time, so we will watch this space really."

Appleton enjoyed a successful three-year stay with United.

It included promotion from League Two in 2016, before an eighth-place finish in League One the following campaign - the club's highest finish for two decades.

Appleton then joined Leicester in 2017.

His 12 months at the King Power Stadium included a spell as caretaker boss, where he won both of his matches in charge.