Former Chelsea assistant manager Wilkins rivals Ranieri in bid to be new Baggies boss

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UPDATED:

11:46 GMT, 25 May 2012

Ray Wilkins has emerged as a shock competitor for the vacant West Bromwich Albion job.

The Baggies spoke to former Chelsea man Claudio Ranieri about the position on Thursday but now another former Blue is in contention.

Possibility: Ray Wilkins could be the new Baggies boss

Wilkins has also held talks with the club to fill the role vacated by new England manager Roy Hodgson.

Chris Hughton is still considered to be the favourite for the Albion hot-seat, but to speak to him they must negotiate with his current club, Birmingham.

The hunt for a new boss was being conducted by sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth, who drew up a shortlist of candidates.

But Ranieri and Wilkins spoke to chairman Jeremy Pearce, who will be the man charged with making the final decision.

Meanwhile, West Brom have agreed the largest sponsorship deal in the club's history with online property company Zoopla.

Potential: Claudio Ranieri could be the new West Brom manager

An initial three-year deal will establish the UK-based firm as the Baggies' kit sponsor in addition to high-profile branding at The Hawthorns.

'We are delighted to welcome Zoopla as our new principal club sponsor,' West Brom chief executive Mark Jenkins said.

'It represents the most comprehensive sponsorship deal in the club's history and we have been impressed by the approach that Zoopla have taken to supporting the club.'