Stoke City have set their sights on former West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke as they look to appoint a successor to Nathan Jones.
According to The Scottish Sun, Stoke are eyeing up Clarke who is currently manager of the Scotland national team. The Potters are believed to be looking to make an audacious bid for the Scot but he is reportedly happy as manager of Scotland.
Clarke comes with well renowned pedigree in the English game with the 56-year-old still rated highly in the Midlands after leading West Brom to their best top-flight finish in 32 years when they were eighth in 2013.
He has also had a spell at Kilmarnock when he led them to third in the SPL which raised his profile and ultimately led to him becoming the manager of the Scotland.
Clarke was voted SFWA Manager of the Year two years running before he took up the national post in May. So far however, he has won just two of his games in charge against Cyprus and San Marino.
Potters chairman Peter Coates is one of the richest men in British football and could offer Clarke a salary that would dwarf his current wage.
Clarke has been a coach at some of England’s biggest clubs, with spells as an assistant at Aston Villa, Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham.
They have not received any encouragement from Clarke at present and should they not make inroads in regards to speaking with the Scot they may well turn to Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill or former boss Tony Pulis who are both believed to be in the frame for the position.
