West Brom close in on new manager to replace Steve Clarke

West Brom will hold talks with several managerial candidates on Friday as they close in on Steve Clarke's replacement.

Clarke was sacked as head coach on 14 December following a fourth straight Premier League loss.

Former Real Betis boss Pepe Mel is the frontrunner for the position but is not certain to get the job.

Paul Clement, who is currently assistant at Real Madrid, has been linked with the position, as has former Osasuna boss Jose Luis Mendilibar.

"We have identified suitable candidates to work within our existing structure," said the club's sporting and technical Director Richard Garlick.

"This is a confidential process and it is inevitable there will be speculation about whom may be under consideration.

"We are now progressing through the interview and short-listing stage. We plan to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity but our primary concern is recruiting the most suitable individual."

Ex-Liverpool defender Mauricio Pellegrino is another man who has been tipped to replace Clarke, as has Malky Mackay - who was sacked by Cardiff on Friday - but Mel is the bookmakers' favourite to take charge at The Hawthorns.

Mel, who started his playing career at Real Madrid, spent three years at Betis and he has also managed Rayo Vallecano, Tenerife and Getafe.

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"If you look at Southampton, they are doing well with a foreign manager"

Zoltan Gera

The Spaniard has never coached outside of his homeland, but Baggies midfielder Zoltan Gera sees no reason why that should be a problem.

Gera, who made his first start in a year in the 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Boxing Day after recovering from a knee injury, pointed to Southampton, who have thrived under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine had no experience of the English game before he replaced Nigel Adkins in January, but has guided the Saints to ninth place in the Premier League. They were 15th when he took over.

"I don't know whether a foreign manager will come in, but you never know," said Gera.

"If you look at Southampton, they are doing well with a foreign manager. But I trust the club and I think they will make a good decision and get a good coach."

Meanwhile, Garlick confirmed caretaker-manager Keith Downing will continue to take charge of the team for Saturday's Premier League trip to West Ham.