West Brom have reportedly agreed compensation with Barnsley over a deal to appoint Valerien Ismael as the club's new manager ahead of the 2021/22 season, according to The Telegraph's John Percy. 

Ismael has reportedly held talks with the Baggies, and he's said to be 'very close' to becoming Sam Allardyce's permanent successor this summer.

Ismael has impressed in charge of Barnsley, as he guided the Yorkshire-based side to a top-six finish in the Championship last season.

That campaign ended in disappointment though, as the Tykes were beaten by Swansea City in their play-off semi-final, which will have been slightly frustrating for the club's supporters.

West Brom will be targeting promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking this season, after being relegated from the top-flight last term.

The Baggies finished 19th in the Premier League last term, and will be pleased to reportedly secure a financial agreement with Barnsley over a deal for Ismael.

It had previously been reported that they were keen on appointing either Chris Wilder or David Wagner as their new boss, but talks broke down, which has seen them turn their attention to appointing Ismael.

The Verdict: 

This is a promising update for the Baggies.

Ismael has been nothing short of brilliant with Barnsley, and it was a shame to see them miss out on promotion into the Premier League last term.

His high-intensity style of play has really impressed me as well, and if he can replicate that with West Brom, then I'd really fancy them to win promotion back into the top-flight at the first time of asking.

It's a fantastic appointment for the Baggies, and he'll be a huge loss for Barnsley moving forwards.