Rangnick on Baggies radar

German coach the new favourite for West Brom post

Last Updated: May 29, 2012 6:35pm

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Ralf Rangnick: Out of work having stepped down from his post at Schalke in September 2011

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Reports suggest that West Brom have turned their attention to former Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick in their efforts to appoint a successor to Roy Hodgson.

The Baggies were understood to have made Birmingham boss Chris Hughton their top target, but have been put off by the compensation demands of their West Midlands rivals.

Rangnick has now leapt to the front of the queue, with the German tactician currently out of work.

The 53-year-old has been without a club since stepping down from his post at Schalke in September 2011 due to exhaustion.

He is, however, understood to be ready to make a return to management and is poised to hold talks withWest Brom chairman Jeremy Peace regarding the coaching vacancy at The Hawthorns created by Hodgson's appointment as England boss.

Demands

Rangnick has taken in two spells at Schalke, leading them to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in 2010/11, in addition to a four-year stint at Hoffenheim.

Hughton came close to landing the Baggies job 15 months ago after the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo,only for Hodgson to eventually be appointed.

Now Birmingham's compensation demands appear to have ended Hughton's chances of moving to The Hawthorns if he harboured any ambitions in that direction.

They are determined to drive a hard bargain after losing the services of Alex McLeish to Aston Villa12 months ago.

Albion also held two rounds of talks with former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri, but he is now expected to move to Monaco.

With Ray Wilkins no longer in serious contention, it would appear the path is clear for Rangnick.