Lewis Cox of The Express & Star has claimed that Carlos Corberan's new West Bromwich Albion deal was in the works prior to the interest from Leeds United.

The Lowdown: New deal signed

The Spaniard signed a new deal with West Brom meaning he will remain with the club until 2027.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano had claimed a few days ago that Corberan was on the list of new candidates for the Leeds job, following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.

Since taking charge of Albion back in October he's Championship matches in charge and won the remaining 10.

The Latest: Talks prior to Leeds

Cox claimed that Corberan mentioned the discussions of a new contract were taking place at the start of January, prior to the pressure on Marsch at Elland Road when speaking on the Express & Star's YouTube channel.

He stated (3:52), "He opened up on talk starting in between three and four weeks ago, with Chief Exec Ron Gourlay, recognising probably prior to real pressure for Jesse Marsch at Leeds you'd have to say.

"But certainly, West Ham and Everton speculation, Albion moved quickly, didn't they? They understood what impact he had, understood that, he's tied down until 2025.

"But in football, that's what two years and a bit now, isn't it? When you look at possible compensation that would have actually been paid to prize him away from the Hawthorns. It's looking to secure Albion isn't it? secure their position."

"It's a reward for what the head coach has done in just a couple of months and that was quite telling as well."

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The Verdict: No surprises

We believe that it's no surprise that West Brom opted to give Corberan a new deal soon early into his tenure.

Not only has he transformed their league form and turned them into play-off contenders, but he's attracted wide interest.

The Baggies boss had been linked with jobs at Premier League level including West Ham United and Everton, our viewpoint is, the better he gets the more likely he is to attract interest from teams of a higher level.

Not only does him signing a new deal mean he will be at the club for longer in theory, but it also means any potential suitors would have to offer the club more money than they would have on his initial deal.

So in our view, it's a smart move from West Brom on a footballing and financial level.