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Darren Fletcher’s deflection to Stoke has plunged the future of West Brom boss Tony Pulis into doubt.

Fletcher has been Pulis’ captain at The Hawthorns since joining from Manchester United in February 2015, a month after the Welshman took charge.

But the out of contract midfielder’s decision to join Premier League rivals Stoke on a Bosman will infuriate him.

(Image: Michael Regan)

Albion offered Manchester-based Fletcher a new deal and Pulis recently said he was “confident” the Scot would sign.

But the 33-year-old has now agreed to move to the Potters on a free transfer when his Baggies contract runs out at the end of June.

It will add to Pulis’ frustrations at Albion, where many fans have criticised him despite coming 10th.

(Image: Phil Greig/Stoke City)

Pulis said yesterday: “Of course there is a disappointment in seeing Fletch move on and we wish him well.

“I was happy that we made him a fair and competitive offer but, as is his right, he has chosen to accept another opportunity.

“He has been my captain since he came into the club and he has led the team superbly. But that is football and we move on.”

Pulis signed a one-year contract extension in October tying him to the club until 2018 on £2million a year.

(Image: Matt Lewis)

But chairman John Williams is in regular contact with Albion’s Chinese owner Guochuan Lai, stated in February he would recommend giving Pulis a longer deal this summer.

Just one win in Albion’s final 12 games has put those plans on ice for now.

Pulis, who faces a hefty £3.7million bill to his old club Crystal Palace after losing a High Court battle, is not believed to be ready to walk away.

However, the 59-year-old is known to be keeping his options open to managing elsewhere if he gets a longer more lucrative offer.

(Image: Clive Mason)

MirrorSport understands Pulis could even be tempted by a big offer to work in China after playing in Hong Kong previously.

Fletcher, who started 86 consecutive league games under Pulis, played a key role at Albion on and off the pitch.

His exit could also re-open the war of words between Pulis and Stoke successor Mark Hughes after the pair clashed over Saido Berahino.

Hughes claimed Albion failed to inform them Berahino failed a drugs test prior to his January move to the Potteries and accused Albion of leaking the news on the eve of the clubs meeting in February.