The West Brom board have been dealt a blow in their search for a permanent manager, after top target Alex Neil of Championship rivals Preston North End signed a new three year deal keeping him at Deepdale, it has been confirmed on the club website.

The 37-year-old arrived at Deepdale in July 2017 and led the club to a seventh-place finish in his first season, this season the Lilywhites were on course for a play-off place, however four straight defeats have left them eight points adrift with four games remaining.

So how big a blow is it for the Baggies that Neil has signed a new deal at Preston?

We discuss........

Sam Rourke

"This is frustrating for Dowling and Jenkins.

"It seemed pretty evident that Alex Neil was their top target and this is not ideal news for the Baggies.

"They must not sit on this news for too long though, and should re-evaluate their targets with Slavisa Jokanovic surely someone that should be high up on their list now."

George Harbey

"It is a huge blow for West Brom, and a massive kick in the teeth for them considering that they were about to finally make an official approach.

"I think Neil would have been perfect for them. He is a good, young manager who has experience of winning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs on his CV.

"Where do Albion go from here? They must surely go all out for Jokanovic."

Jacob Potter

"It's a huge blow for the Baggies.

"Neil would have been one of their top targets and they should have acted quicker to strike a deal to bring him to the club.

"They need to find a long-term replacement at the earliest of opportunities."