Express & Star

New name in frame as West Brom close in on new boss

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West Brom hope to appoint a new head coach before Saturday's trip to Southampton with Spaniard Quique Flores the latest name to enter the frame.

Reports from Spain claim Flores has held talks over succeeding Steve Clarke after compatriots Pepe Mel and Jose Luis Mendilibar were also interviewed by the Baggies.

Albion plan to move for Clarke's successor this week after another round of talks with contenders over the weekend.

Quique Flores, in contention for Albion job.

But several more of the bookmakers' picks are understood to have been ruled out including new betting favourite Mendilibar. Long-time favourite Malky Mackay is also thought to be out of contention along with German coach Mirko Slomka, whose odds tumbled at the weekend after widespread rumours that he was in the race.

That leaves the identity of Clarke's replacement still shrouded in mystery more than three weeks after the Scot was dismissed, although the Baggies are thought to be edging closer to a decision with Flores the latest intriguing name to be linked with the job.

The 48-year-old has most recently managed in the United Arab Emirates, where he led Dubai-based Al Ahli for more than a year and has been in charge of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi since September.

But he previously managed Getafe in his homeland before guiding Valencia to third place in La Liga and the Champions League quarter-finals in 2007.

And he then enjoyed successful spells at Benfica and Atletico Madrid.

The former full-back spent 10 years as a player with Valencia and then played for Real Madrid. He also represented Spain 15 times, including at the 1990 World Cup.

Mendilibar is understood to have been discounted despite reports in the Spanish media that he had been granted a second interview and instructed lawyers to open negotiations over a contract. The 52-year-old former Real Valladolid and Osasuna coach was interviewed for several hours before Christmas. Mackay is believed to be out of the race while he battles for compensation from Cardiff.