Sacked ex-West Brom boss surprise front runner to land European managerial role

Former Albion boss Ryan Mason could be set for a surprise move - five months on from his Hawthorns dismissal.

The former Tottenham midfielder and coach made his first steps into management with the Baggies last summer.

He got off to a flying start with Albion top following a superb opening few games - but their form quickly dropped off.

In total, Mason lasted just 27 games as Albion slid down the table and into the bottom half.

Their rotten run on the road was the final straw for Mason - and he was sacked after a last gasp defeat at Leicester.

Since then, Mason has been loosely linked with the vacant managerial vacancy at Watford.

Now surprising reports have emerged in Italy claiming the former midfielder is the front runner to land a job with second tier side Sampdoria.

The club, who have been a big club in Serie A at points in the past - are now down in the second tier.

Now La Repubblica have reported that they are set to make a move for Mason, having finished 13th in the second tier.

The CEO of the club, Jesper Fredburg, is said to be the driving force behind a move for Mason. That comes from his time at Anderlecht, a club which Mason was previously linked with during his Tottenham days.

It has also been claimed that the club have been inspired by fellow second tier clubs Cesena’s appointment of ex-England man Ashley Cole.