West Brom head coach update as QPR's Marti Cifuentes ruled out

The west London club confirmed on Tuesday night that the Spanish head coach had been placed on gardening leave amid interest from Albion.

It was reported over the weekend that Albion hierarchy held talks with representatives of Cifuentes, but the Express & Star understands the Rs chief is not on the club's shortlist and will not be the new head coach at The Hawthorns.

The club are continuing with a thorough recruitment process, as reported in the aftermath of Tony Mowbray's sacking, and the job has yet to be offered to any candidate.

Interim James Morrison oversees the final game of the Championship season at home to Luton on Saturday.

It had been claimed vacancies at The Hawthorns as well as Norwich's Carrow Road had drawn attractive glances from Cifuentes, whose tenure in charge at Loftus Road had soured.

He was placed on gardening notice as the club moved to secure compensation for when he departs.

But the Black Country will not be his next destination as Albion's recruitment process continues otherwise, with the ownership addressing candidates on the shortlist, which does include Cifuentes.

The club believe their vacancy at this stage of the season allows them to assess the landscape of head coach positions around the continent when viewing who could be available come the summer for next season and beyond.