Pulis will hold showdown talks with owner Guochuan Lai in near future

Roy Hodgson was sounded out and remains on West Brom's radar

Manager has been involved in ongoing feud over club's transfer business

West Brom were looking for a replacement for Tony Pulis this summer

West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis' future has plunged into further uncertainty as it emerged the troubled Midlands club have actively been seeking his replacement since the end of last season.

The start to the Baggies' season has been thrown into turmoil due to the ongoing feud between Pulis and the club's hierarchy over their summer transfer business.

But Sportsmail has learned the cracks in the relationship between the WBA boss and the board were showing well before the start of the season.

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Axed England manager Roy Hodgson was sounded out for the West Brom job this summer

Tony Pulis appears to be nearing the exit following his ongoing feud over transfers

Indeed, the club were open to replacing Pulis – despite his success in keeping them in the Premier League since his arrival in January 2015 – ahead of the new campaign.

Axed England manager Roy Hodgson were among the potential candidates sounded out about the possibility of taking over during the close season.

The internal landscape of the club changed in August when owner Jeremy Peace agreed to sell the club to Chinese businessman Guochuan Lai.

Yet, the uncertainty surrounding Pulis' position remains as he tries to keep the club in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.

Hodgson certainly remains on the club's radar as they continue making contingency plans for the future.

Peace, who still advises WBA, is a huge admirer of Hodgson following the 69-year-old's stint at the Hawthorns between 2011-2012 – a stretch that ultimately led to his appointment by the FA.

New owner Guochuan Lai will hold showdown talks with Pulis which will clarify his position

Hodgson remains on West Brom's radar and could return to the club he left in 2012

West Brom are fully aware Hodgson is likely to become a target for their top-flight rivals once managerial positions become available this season.