West Brom close on Clarke

STEVE Clarke is in strong contention to become West Brom manager, and could be named as Roy Hodgson’s successor this weekend.

Albion have sounded out Clarke after he left Anfield, where he was Kenny Dalglish’s asistant. Former Schalke manager Ralf Rangnick had looked set to take charge at the Hawthorns, but he appears to have now dropped out of the running.

Clarke has gained plenty of experience as No 2 at Chelsea, West Ham and, most recently, Liverpool. But the 48-year-old is believed to be keen to step into a managerial role.

Hodgson guided West Brom to a top-ten finish in the Barclays Premier League last season after his departure from Liverpool, which led to Clarke moving to Anfield alongside Dalglish. Now he has the chance to again replace Hodgson.

Former Scotland international Clarke worked under Ruud Gullit and Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.