Claudio Ranieri and Ray Wilkins in talks with West Brom

West Brom have had talks with Claudio Ranieri and Ray Wilkins about succeeding Roy Hodgson as manager.

Former Chelsea boss Ranieri has met with Albion chairman Jeremy Peace and the club's sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth.

The Baggies have also been in contact with Wilkins, who has had two spells as caretaker manager at Chelsea.

Chelsea under Ranieri

2000-01: 6th in Premier League

2001-02: 6th

2002-03: 4th

2003-04: 2nd

Birmingham boss Chris Hughton has been linked with the vacancy, which arose after Hodgson took charge of England.

Ranieri, 60, was in charge at Stamford Bridge between September 2000 and June 2004.

The Italian has since managed Valencia, Parma, Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan.

He is an attractive possibility for West Brom as he is currently a free agent.

Albion made initial contact with Ranieri two weeks ago and followed up their interest by holding a second round of talks in London.

Former England international Wilkins has previous managerial experience at Fulham and QPR, but is better known for his stints as a coach at Chelsea.

Hughton, who steered Birmingham to the Championship play-offs , came close to replacing Roberto Di Matteo 15 months ago after being interviewed by Albion before Hodgson took up the post.

Hodgson left Albion after the final game of the season, a 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal, and will take charge of his first England match away on Saturday, a friendly against Norway in Oslo.