Ralf Rangnick is the man most West Bromwich Albion fans would like to succeed Steve Clarke - but any new boss is unlikely to get any fresh funds in the January transfer window.

The 55-year-old German, currently sporting director for both Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, took 23 per cent of the votes in a Birmingham Mail poll, closely followed by Molde's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (22 per cent).

But any new boss might have to fire-fight with the current Albion squad.

Jeremy Peace has stated many times that he wants to operate a squad of 22 players, with the rest being supplemented by under-21s.

Albion have a 25-man squad of over-21s - although Lee Camp is only on a month-to-month contract and expected to leave once Ben Foster returns.

Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick recently said that any transfer dealings in January would be restricted to loans and short-term deals. Some out-of-favour players, however, might be moved on.

He said: "We exhausted all available resources during the summer window to ensure the squad is as competitive as possible for the season ahead. We’ve traditionally used the January window for topping up the squad due to injuries or unforeseen circumstances and we’ll be looking to do that via the loan market or short-term deals."

Albion are in no rush to appoint a new man, although Andre Villas-Boas, sacked by Spurs, and Gianfranco Zola, who quit Watford, could be intriguing additions to Peace's hitlist.

Although both men, neither of whom were included on our poll, have endured mixed times, it is feasible Albion might at least sound them out - if not directly, then certainly via agents - as part of their usual due diligence.

Zola was immediately installed as favourite by some bookmakers on Monday night although his resignation from Vicarage Road is unrelated to the Albion vacancy.

The Baggies will also be keeping a close eye on developments at Cardiff after owner Vincent Tan issued a statement that he was "extremely upset" with Malky Mackay's comments on January transfer policy.

Peace has watched Mackay's progress at Cardiff with interest for some time - although sources close to the Welsh club's manager have cast doubt on him leaving voluntarily.

However, there are currently no plans by Albion to pursue Michael Appleton or Michael Phelan.

Former boss Roberto Di Matteo is a definite non-starter.

Albion are also not expected to push for Solskjaer or Real Madrid No.2 Paul Clement at this stage of their process. Both were initially linked as potential candidates.

That could change depending on how Albion's pursuit goes during the coming period.

Current caretaker boss Keith Downing is on standby to remain at the helm during the festive period.

BirminghamMail.com

Will be very disappointed if we go after Zola. Like you say, I don't see what he will be able to offer us more than Clarke. Style is important, but results more so.

Mackay would be interesting if he became available though...

I'd love Malky here.

Although Cardiff fans say his style isn't 'easy on the eye'

No to Zola, no to Jol, not sure about Malky.

I may be on my own and it may be unlikely but i'd love to get AVB.

Not so long ago he was rated the best young manger in Europe. He was simply amazing at Porto and he's only lost 26 games out of 120 since moving to the Premier League.

He fits with our style of counter attacking play too.

Talk is that Baldini is the one who should've got the sack at Spurs and not AVB. If AVB didn't approve there summer signings then it's not surprising!

Don't think JP would feel too comfortable with Malky - a manager who talks about spending in January before his owner has OK'd it???

I don't rate Zola as a PL manager at all. SC had far better credentials.

A massive no to Michael Appleton and Mike Phelan. If I'd like anyone it's Michael Laudrup, but why would he want to come to us? He's destined for far bigger things in Spain.
I'm glad Malky Mackay's upset the Cardiff owner. Some of these foreign owners have got no idea about history. Cardiff's owner changed their blue shirts to red and Hull's owner is talking about changing their name to Hull Tigers. Prats, the pair of them.

Coxy, I'd say yes to AVB, but why would he come to us?

Like I said Aries, it's unlikely.

However, his stock has certainly fallen having deemed to have 'failed' at two big clubs. Might be that he wants to get straight back on the horse but at a smaller club where there's less pressure.

Either way, he's the only out of work candidate i can think of that i'd be fully in support of us hiring. All the others come with question marks!

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That's why I wouldn't of got rid of Clarke, personally.

The list of realistic replacements aren't an improvement.

I thought you were for sacking SC, JH? The results spoke for themselves, and could anyone see things improving under him?

I wasn't against sacking Clarke. Results were very poor and didn't look like changing anytime soon.

But I wouldn't of sacked him myself as I don't believe there's any realistic better options.

If JP surprises us all and pays compo for Mackay or go abroard for an exciting name like Bielsa then it was the right decision.

If we end up with a Jol/ Zola/McInnes type replacement then I don't see the point sacking Clarke.

As you know Aries I rarely disagree with you but AVB, really?
If he can't manage at the champagne and oyster clubs how he's going to get on with pie and mash?
I think I could spend £109M better than he and Baldini appear to have done.
At least Zola comes with a measure of English football management success behind him and he would be a person our players would look up to.