Albion press ahead for next season

Albion are pressing ahead with plans for next season despite continued speculation linking manager Tony Mowbray with a move to Celtic.

The Baggies boss has held talks with staff about potential Hawthorns transfers as rumours in Glasgow persist, linking him to the managerial vacancy at Parkhead.

Mowbray remains favourite with bookmakers to succeed Gordon Strachan at Parkhead, with No 1 choice Owen Coyle reportedly close to signing a contract extension with Burnley.

But Albion have heard nothing from the SPL club, so officials insist it is 'business as usual' at The Hawthorns.

Celtic chairman John Reid has promised to appoint "the very best" manager to replace Gordon Strachan.

Reid revealed a number of candidates are being considered for the role, left vacant when Strachan resigned on Monday.

But the Parkhead supremo was also adamant no official approach had been made to any club.

Reid said: "Clearly, Celtic's priority is to appoint the very best candidate.

"We will aim to do this as soon as we possibly can, but we will also do so in a professional, considered manner and ensure that we appoint the correct individual for the club and its supporters.

"It is better to get this right rather than be rushed."