Joseph Masi has now revealed some significant off-field West Brom news involving Xu Ke.

The Lowdown: Off-field shake-up

The Baggies have seen an almighty off-field shake-up which started with the departure of manager Valerien Ismael and his assistant Adam Murray this week after just a few months in charge.

Steve Bruce now looks set to take his place after talks, with their next match in the Championship not coming until next Wednesday, when they will face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It was then announced on Albion's official website that Controlling Shareholder Guochuan Lai would replace the departing Li Piyue as Chairman, while Ron Gourlay was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in place of Xu Ke.

The Latest: Xu Ke remains at West Brom

Taking to Twitter, Express & Star journalist Masi has now revealed that despite Piyue leaving, Ke is staying at West Brom and will now take up the role of a non-executive director. The journalist revealed:

"Understand Xu Ke has been moved aside but remains at the club as a non-executive director.

"Li Piyue, who was chairman but has been replaced in that role by Lai, has left completely.

"Looks like those two men are carrying the can for Ismael and his four year deal..."

The Verdict: Significant

It is certainly significant that Ke has been allowed to stay, despite others around him leaving. He will not oversee the day-to-day running of the club anymore, as that job has now been given to new CEO Gourlay, but as a non-executive director, he will still have a say in board meetings.

With Bruce seeming likely to be appointed, the next step will be whether West Brom will allow him to take his own backroom team with him, and then how much they would want to back him in the summer transfer window.

Nonetheless, given the failed appointment of Ismael, it does seem strange that Ke has not left when Piyue has.

In other news, find out who is now a 'serious' managerial option for WBA alongside Bruce