Progress made in West Brom's new boss hunt with target set

It has been two weeks since Carlos Corberan swapped The Hawthorns for Mestalla and sporting director Andrew Nestor, a board member with owners Bilkul, is leading the successor search.

The timing of the former head coach's departure was a huge blow for the Baggies with a barrage of games over the Christmas and New Year period being led by Damia Abella, Chris Brunt and Boaz Myhill.

Albion have got through a period of five games in 14 days, with a return of eight points from 15, and the fortnight before the next Championship fixture was always viewed as a key period in the process.

It is believed the club have made progress in their search for the next head coach at The Hawthorns. While candidates have been whittled down, the identity of the front-runners remains under wraps with the club having cast their net far and wide overseas, with no experience of the English game a requirement.

There is no certainty Corberan's successor will be in charge in time for Saturday's FA Cup third round tie at Premier League outfit Bournemouth.

But it is believed the club are working towards having the new man in place to prepare for the next Championship fixture against Stoke at The Hawthorns on January 18.

Swiss national Raphael Wicky shot to the head of the bookmakers' odds on Sunday. Wicky, 47, has been out of work since last March where he was dismissed by Young Boys. He has previously managed Chicago Fire in the United States and FC Basel in his homeland.

Though fluctuating odds mean Wicky is no cert to be among the standout candidates. Swansea's Luke Williams previously headed the lists but was never in the frame. The same went for ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin, mentioned as an early favourite.

Dutchman Johnny Heitinga, currently Liverpool coach under Arne Slot, is expected to see out the season at Anfield. Tony Mowbray, who is set to return to work ill health is not in the frame and it is thought Steve Cooper, currently unemployed after being sacked by Leicester, is reluctant to immediately work in the Midlands again.

Albion would be willing to pay compensation for the new head coach but it is thought the preference would be out-of-work managers.

Shilen Patel and the Bilkul group will pay for who they consider the right candidate in their first head coach appointment as owners, but the club's spending remains restricted due to financial fair play regulations.

Saturday's draw at Swansea has the Baggies in sixth, though some play-off rivals have a game in hand.