Claudio Ranieri is Sky Bet's new 1/2 favourite to be the next West Brom manager following significant backing for the Italian to succeed England-bound Roy Hodgson.
The former Chelsea boss was as long as 20/1 for the soon to be vacant post on Friday afternoon, but has attracted continued support throughout the betting industry after failing to rule out a return to the Premier League.
The 60-year-old is currently out of work after being sacked by Inter Milan and said: "I am listening to everything and if there is a good project, why not," when asked about a return to England during his punditry work on ESPN.
Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton is next in the betting at 4/1 with BetVictor following continued backing throughout the past week, while Birmingham boss Chris Hughton (6/1 with bet365 and Sky Bet) has also attracted significant money despite talking down speculation linking him to the post.
Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley had emerged as the early favourite for the post, backed at as short as 4/6 earlier in the week, but has subsequently drifted out to 25/1 with Sky Bet due to waning interest from punters.
Sky Bet Football Trader Chris Spicer said: "Curbishley attracted all the early money but doesn't appear to be a popular one with the Baggies fans, and has since been pushed out significantly, with Appleton, Hughton and now Ranieri heading the betting.
"The Ranieri talk supposedly all started with somebody overhearing him talking about West Brom's tactics on a train, but speculation has gathered pace after he failed to rule out the possibility."
