Coventry are poised to make Albion target Leon Best an improved contract offer as they fight to keep him at the Ricoh Arena.

The Sky Blues are reportedly preparing a last-ditch package designed to head off January interest from a host of clubs including the Baggies.

Best has so far failed to agree an extended stay with Chris Coleman’s side, fuelling speculation that Coventry would be forced to cash in during the January transfer window.

But reports from the city claim the Sky Blues have not given up hope of persuading the Republic of Ireland international to put pen to paper on an extended contract.

However, if Best refuses to sign a new contract in the next six weeks Coventry would almost certainly be forced to sell to avoid him leaving for free when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

And that would alert a host of clubs including Albion, who have kept tabs on the former Southampton trainee since news of the impasse on contract talks was revealed.

He has been talked about at The Hawthorns as a possible January target and head coach Roberto Di Matteo watched him score for the Sky Blues in their 2-1 defeat to Derby last week, although the Italian was primarily present to scout the Rams ahead of their meeting with his team.

Di Matteo remains keen to add additional firepower to his squad with the head coach wary of over-exposing 17-year-old Chris Wood to first-team football while he continues to develop.

Sky Blues boss Chris Coleman has already expressed an interest in signing Albion defender Leon Barnett on a permanent deal if his loan spell goes well.

And that could give the Baggies some additional bargaining power over Best.