Reports linking Paul Barber with a move to Saudi Arabia are nonsense according to a well-placed source.

Claims emerged online last night that Albion’s chief executive and deputy chairman was the “most prominent candidate” for a position at Al-Ittihad Club in Saudi Arabia.

It was claimed that negotiations were underway from the country’s sovereign wealth fund, which has taken over the four biggest clubs in the league.

But The Argus understands claims Barber is heading to Saudi Arabia are “total nonsense”.

Barber, who has been with Albion for 11 years, is currently preparing for a pre-season trip to the USA next week and Albion’s European campaign, both of which are firsts for the club.

This summer has seen a host of European players and managers make the move to Saudi Arabia including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and Steven Gerrard, who joined as manager of Al-Ettifaq.

The Argus: N'Golo Kante is one of many players to have made the move to Saudi ArabiaN'Golo Kante is one of many players to have made the move to Saudi Arabia (Image: PA)

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia which has prompted concern from LGBT+ fan groups.

Liverpool’s LGBT+ fan group said it was “appalled and concerned” about the potential move.

Being homosexual or transgender in Saudi Arabia is illegal.

Anyone who identifies themselves as LGBT+ can be subjected to severe penalties.

Albion start their pre-season tour of the USA with a match on July 22 against Chelsea in Philadelphia.

Roberto De Zerbi's side kick off their Premier League season at home to Luton on August 12.