Last Updated: Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:06
The chairmen of both West Brom and Celtic say talks are ongoing over Tony Mowbray's move to take over at the SPL club.
Reports say the Baggies have agreed a compensation figure with Celtic, reported to be around £2million, and the former Bhoys defender is expected to be named Celtic's new manager at some point this week.
Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace admits he has done all he can to persuade Mowbray to stay on at the Hawthorns but appears now to have reluctantly accepted his departure.
"We do not want to lose Tony because he has been an integral part of a long-term project at the club, which the vast majority of our fans have bought into," he told his club website.
"But Tony expressed his desire to talk to Celtic and, now that the compensation figure in his contract has been met to our satisfaction, that process can take place.
"If Tony decides to join Celtic, he would leave with our good wishes and we would then immediately put into action the task of appointing a new manager who can take the club forward."
Celtic Chairman John Reid, meanwhile, revealed the talks remain complicated but he's confident he will land his man.
He said: "These are complex but important negotiations and we can assure our supporters that we continue to aim to get the right man for the job in the right way."