And the straight-talking 59-year-old has responded to those links with the Baggies.

McCarthy's time at Ipswich Town will come to an end this summer after it was announced he was leaving at the end of the season.

After Ipswich's 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City on Saturday, one reporter asked him if he'd be interested in the role, and the suggestion raised a smile.

“The Albion? That would p*** a few people off wouldn’t it?" said McCarthy. "But you know me, I like p***ing people off.”

Albion are looking for a new head coach after parting ways with Alan Pardew by mutual consent on Monday following nine straight defeats.

Darren Moore has been put in temporary charge until the end of the season, when a new head coach will be installed.