No deal! West Brom scrap Mel talks... but could move for Mendilibar

West Bromwich Albion’s search for a new manager has hit a snag after they failed to reach an agreement with No 1 target Pepe Mel.

The former Real Vallecano and Real Betis coach was the man identified to succeed Steve Clarke by club owner Jeremy Peace.

But after extensive negotiations, it appears the two parties reached an impasse over the backroom staff that the 50-year-old Spaniard wanted to appoint.

No dice: West Brom have called off negotiations with Pepe Mel as he wanted to bring in his own coaches

Waste of time :The former Real Betis manager had flown to England for talks with the Midlands club

Mel was keen to bring an assistant and conditioning coach with him but West Brom have insisted their new man should fit into their current structure.

Quite why that subject was not discussed during the interview stage seems strange but West Brom issued a statement attempting to clarify matters.

In effect, however, it confirmed nothing of the sort and, a fortnight after placing Clarke on gardening leave, it appears they are no nearer finding a replacement.

Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: 'We have identified suitable candidates to work within our existing structure.

'We are now progressing through the interview and short-listing stage. We plan to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity but our primary concern is recruiting the most suitable individual.'

Sacked: Malky Mackay (above) was sacked as manager of Cardiff City by Vincent Tan (below), but Sportsmail can reveal the full extent of the summer that enraged the owner...

Controversial: Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has courted controversy for his attitude towards Mackay, who is now favourite for the Baggies position

Caretaker manager Keith Downing will remain in charge for the game at West Ham and is now likely to take the team for the clash against Newcastle United on New Year’s Day.

West Brom were thought to be interested in Malky Mackay last week but the logic behind appointing a man from a club below them in the Premier League does not seem to fit.

Another Spanish coach has entered the frame. Former Osasuna coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.

The 51-year-old has, according to reports in Spain, been interviewed on Skype for the position. West Brom would neither confirm nor deny any conversation between the parties had taken place, however.

Possibilities: Jose Luis Menidlibar (left) and Mauricio Pellegrino (right) are candidates for the role

Faith: But the board have no problem with caretaker boss Keith Downing in charge for the time being

Garlick continued: 'This is a confidential process and it is inevitable there will be speculation about whom may be under consideration.

'We are now progressing through the interview and short-listing stage. We plan to make an appointment at the earliest opportunity but our primary concern is recruiting the most suitable individual.

'We are grateful for the professional manner in which Keith Downing, the coaching staff and the players have approached the last two games.