Ralf Rangnick has emerged as the leading contender to replace Roy Hodgson at West Brom.
The former Schalke and Hoffenheim manager has moved ahead of Birmingham's Chris Hughton in the running to take control at Albion.
When the Baggies' long antipicated approach to Blues finally came they were put off by a fee in excess of £2million demanded by the Championship side.
And with Claudio Ranieri appearing set for a move to AS Monaco and Ray Wilkins ruling himself out of the race that has left the 53-year-old former midfielder with a clear run.
Indeed the German's odds came in massively yesterday and are now as low as 3-1 with some bookmakers and there are reports that Albion have already offered him the job.
Whether he accepts it or not is a different matter, although comments made by Dietmar Hopp, Rangnick's former employer at Hoffenheim, suggest it is a move that would appeal.
Rangnick's last worked in September 2011 when he stepped down from his role with Champions League 2010-11 semi finalists Schalke citing exhaustion.
But Hopp claims Rangnick is be ready to make a comeback and is looking at the English top flight in which to do it.
"His battery is full again," Hopp told Sport Bild. "I think he gets back soon. He favours a job in the Premier League."
If Rangnick does become Albion manager he brings an outstanding pedigree having had two periods in charge at Schalke, the first in 2004 when he led the club to the runners up spot in the German league and cup.
After being sacked the following season he spent four years with Hopp at Hoffenheim where he engineered two promotions and led them to the Bundesliga for the first time in their history.
He resigned in January last year but was back in football at Schalke just two months later.
Last edited by Ed on Wed May 30, 2012 4:43 am; edited 2 times in total
plus he looks intelligent
