Danny Cowley says it is a "compliment" to the job he has done at Lincoln City that he is being linked with the vacant managerial job at West Brom.

The Baggies are looking for a permanent manager following the end of Jimmy Shan's spell as caretaker manager following their play-off semi final defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Having taken Lincoln from the National League to League One in just three season at Sincil Bank, The Express and Star have reported that Imps boss Cowley is now a contender to take over at The Hawthorns.

Now Cowley himself has spoken out on the speculation linking with a move to the Championship with The Baggies, telling BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "That happens when the club that you manage have been successful so I think we should all probably take a compliment in the fact that there is interest."

Cowley however, appears to be remaining focused on Lincoln's step up League One next season, as he went onto say: "Ultimately for us the focus is always on the work, the rest takes care of itself, if you continue to stay really focused, really drive and continue to work hard you don't quite have control over any of the other factors."

As well as Cowley, former Brighton and Newcastle manager Chris Hughton is also among those linked with the job at The Hawthorns.

The verdict

Given what Cowley has done in his time at Lincoln, taking them so far so quickly, you can see why West Brom are interested in the 40-year-old.

Lincoln fans will be pleased to see that Cowley remains focused on Lincoln for now, but you feel they won't fully relax until The Baggies have announced their new manager.