Raphael Wicky will not be new West Brom head coach after talks break down

Talks with Swiss coach Wicky, 47, were at an advanced stage for the head coach role at The Hawthorns but negotiations hit the buffers this morning.

Wicky was unable to assemble the coaching staff he had proposed to bring to the Championship club, featuring two other staff members.

One member of Wicky's staff was unable to secure a visa, the Express & Star understands, while the other turned down the Swiss' proposal.

The visa issues relate to a goalkeeping coach the former Swiss international wanted to bring with him to The Hawthorns.

And the coach Wicky was keen to bring in as his assistant managed turned him down. It is understood that was a 'deal breaker' in Wicky taking over at Albion.

The former FC Basel and Young Boys boss was Albion's desired choice as Carlos Corberan's successor and the standout candidate after two rounds of interviews in London last week.

Albion interviewed Dutchman Rene Hake as well as Wicky. Former title-winning boss Tony Mowbray also held talks with club chiefs last week.

It is understood Wicky outlined a team of three, including himself, to bring to The Hawthorns as the package the Baggies agreed to. But it transpired this morning that his fellow coaches would be unable to make the move.

There were no financial concerns relating to the staff members not joining Wicky.

The breakdown comes as a blow to Albion after deciding on their preferred choice and the club have now resumed talks with other parties.

The Baggies had previously wanted an appointment made in time for Saturday's home fixture against Stoke in the Championship.

The January transfer window is also ongoing with Albion yet to conclude any business other than the return of loan attacker Lewis Dobbin to Villa.

Albion did recall Caleb Taylor from a loan at League One Wycombe to beef defensive options.

They are looking to add a striker to ease the burden on top goalscorer Josh Maja, while a replacement for Dobbin in the wide areas could be pursued.