Frank Lampard is in the running for the vacant West Bromwich Albion job, according to a reliable source...

What's the word?

Express and Star journalist Joseph Masi dropped a fresh claim in the Baggies' search for their next manager on Tuesday. He tweeted:

"I understand Frank Lampard is on Albion's managerial shortlist with the former Chelsea boss open to a job in the Championship."

And in an accompanying article, it is suggested that the 42-year-old would be given an interview as the Midlands outfit continue to look for a viable candidate to replace Sam Allardyce following his departure, and their relegation to the Championship.

Lampard has experience of managing in the division before with Derby County, where he made the playoffs, whilst his most recent experience came at his former club, Chelsea, who sacked him after a poor run of form in January earlier this year.

Exciting candidate

It is quite encouraging to see that Albion have already pushed ahead with their bid to find a new manager already, meaning sporting director Luke Dowling and co really should have him in place before the summer transfer window opens.

Lampard is a really positive target, too.

Whilst his time at Pride Park didn't end in promotion, you only have to look at how far the Rams have sunk now in his absence, going from runner-up in the playoffs to tenth place, and this season, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day sat in 21st.

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The former Blues midfielder did a very respectable job at Stamford Bridge too, especially in his maiden campaign, where he had to operate without spending a penny in the transfer market.

He turned to youth in a bold move and it paid off.

The likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Reece James are all prominent first-team stars because of Lampard. Had he not trusted them to start regularly, then there's always a good chance that they would never have made it at Chelsea.

Usually, their up-and-coming prospects spend time out on loan three, four, five or more times and never make the cut.

This is an issue at the Hawthorns too - players such as Nathan Ferguson, Izzy Brown, Morgan Rogers, Louie Barry have all moved on despite being hugely promising starlets.

Lampard would certainly fix this, so surely fans would be buzzing to see their team made up of plenty of homegrown and local lads. After a dire season of disappointment, it could give them something to shout about and be proud of.

The 42-year-old would be a fine appointment in the long run for the Baggies.

AND in other news, Dowling can revive West Brom by hiring 53 y/o "messiah" who Klopp dubbed "exceptional"...