Football news in brief

Albion made initial contact with the out-of-work Ranieri two weeks ago and followed up with a second round of talks in London on Thursday. However, sources close to Albion stress the additional talks do not mean Ranieri will automatically be offered the post. It is understood the Baggies have made contact with Ray Wilkins, while Birmingham’s Chris Hughton is also high on the list.

Darlington will be relegated four divisions below the Blue Square Bet Premier from next season, the Football Association have confirmed. Following relegation from the Conference, fans’ company Darlington 1883 purchased the club in the hope that the Quakers would be placed in the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier. However, because DFC 1883 bought the club without a company voluntary arrangement in place, the FA has put Darlington in Division One of the Northern League.

Everton defender Sylvain Distin has signed a new one-year contract to keep him at the club next season. The 34-year-old centre-back’s existing deal had expired, but he was always determined to remain at Goodison Park and a new agreement was not long in being finalised. Distin said on evertonfc.com: “I am really happy. I can go on holiday now and relax. I was always confident, but you never know. Sometimes it can take a little longer than expected but it is done now and I am really happy to be staying for another season.”

Former Hull manager Phil Brown would love another go at the Tigers job, but is aware the current “wind blowing through football” means anything other than instant success is likely to lead to the sack. The 52-year-old ’s last role was at Preston, but he was dismissed in December, 11 months after taking over. But he would love another chance at Hull after the recent controversial firing of Nick Barmby. “I thought Nicky did a very good job,” he said. “I would certainly be willing to sit down and talk to them [the owners]. It is a club which is dear to my heart.”