Sources: Highly-rated manager who lets his teams 'be expressive' turns down West Bromwich Albion approach

TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Lee Carsley has been approached by West Bromwich Albion over their managerial vacancy.

The Baggies are currently searching for a new manager after Carlos Corberan left The Hawthorns for Spanish outfit Valencia just before Christmas.

West Bromwich Albion are within touching distance of the Championship playoffs and will be eager to bring in a high-quality manager to help them get over the line.

Lee Carsley is currently manager of England’s Under-21s, having enjoyed a fruitful interim spell as the Three Lions senior head coach after Gareth Southgate’s departure.

Lee Carsley turns down West Bromwich Albion approach

However, TBR Football correspondent Graeme Bailey can reveal that Carsley has turned down West Bromwich Albion’s approach.

The Baggies were keen to talk to Carsley, who is back in charge of the English Under-21s following his spell with the senior side, but he has been linked to a host of jobs.

Whilst TBR Football understands that Carsley sees himself being a club manager at some stage, he has decided that will not be at The Hawthorns.

West Brom are looking to replace Corberan, who left the club to take charge of Valencia.

The Baggies had an interest in Mark Robins, but he has decided to join Stoke City.

Former Baggies boss Tony Mowbray is now believed to be under consideration, along with highly-rated Swansea City boss Luke Williams and current Liverpool assistant John Heitinga.

Carsley’s coaching career

Carsley was appointed as the England men’s senior interim head coach in August 2024, ahead of their UEFA Nations League campaign.

The Birmingham-born coach stepped into the temporary role after spending the previous three years as England men’s Under-21 head coach.

During this time, Carsley led the Young Lions to the UEFA Under-21 EURO title in 2023.

He has also been interim manager at Coventry City and Birmingham City, had a brief spell as Brentford’s boss in 2015, and has managed several youth sides including at Manchester City.

Carsley’s England interim coach spell saw him win five and lose one of his six games in charge.

He also handed England debuts to Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento, Curtis Jones, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Lewis Hall.

“I’ve been pleased with him the whole time – and so have the lads,” Gomes told The Mirror during Carsley’s England spell. “He’s installed massive faith in all of us.

“He lets us be expressive, because playing for England comes with massive pressure. He takes that all on himself and lets us be free.

“He’s very happy and very comfortable in coaching for England, whether it’s the first team or the 21s. He’s expressed he’s comfortable in doing both.”