A major update in West Bromwich Albion’s search for a new manager to replace Tony Mowbray.

West Bromwich Albion have taken a step forward and a step backward in appointing their new manager, a little over a week since Tony Mowbray was relieved of his duties.

The Baggies are being patient in their approach to hiring Mowbray’s successor and are making their way through a shortlist of candidates. One contender has been spoken to as recently as this week, and there’s been a significant development.

Birmingham World understands Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes was sounded out last week and The Telegraph reported on Tuesday night that he was a “top target” for Albion. The Telegraph has since published an update, however, saying Cifuentes is no longer on the shortlist.

Cifuentes has been placed on gardening leave by QPR as there has been a lot of speculation about his future at Loftus Road. The decision taken by the Rs means any club looking to hire the Spaniard will have to pay a compensation fee.

In a club statement, QPR chief executive Christian Nourry said: "This is naturally a disappointing situation for everyone concerned. I fully understand and appreciate supporters' frustrations at this time.

“As a club, we are working to ensure this matter is resolved as swiftly as possible so we can start preparations in earnest for the future."

West Brom manager target speaks out

Cifuentes, who was once approached as a candidate for the Sunderland job, ironically just after the Black Cats had sacked Mowbray in 2023, is eager to take his next step. The 42-year-old is appreciative of all the support he’s had from QPR and their fanbase, but he’s eager to progress.

Recent victories over Oxford United and Preston North End were enough to get QPR over the line and avoid relegation, so Cifuentes’ work was seemingly done at that moment, at least in his head. It was a shame to be thumped 5-0 by Burnley last week but the main objective had already been achieved.

"I said before that as long as I'm wanted, I'm very happy,” Cifuentes said after the defeat to the Clarets. “The way the fans have been supporting me, it makes me feel that I want to give them something back even more than the last two seasons.

"In any case I am very calm about the job I have done and the fact that we have achieved what were difficult targets. I'm an ambitious person in the sense that I always push myself. I always want to improve.

“I have a contract and I want to keep improving. I enjoy my job here, enjoy English football, and am ready for more. I've said that the support from the fans that I've got this season, in very difficult moments, is something that I have never seen before and will stay with me forever.

"That's why I'm very sad today. Today hurts. It doesn't define what this team has done this season and it's very sad to finish that way."

Before QPR, Cifuentes managed in Sweden, Denmark and Norway as he enjoyed spells at Hammarby IF, Aab and Sandefjord. Before that, the Spaniard was in charge of Hospitalet, Sant Andreu and Rubi – all in his home nation.