West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson has missed out on bringing Fulham coach Ray Lewington to the Hawthorns.

The Daily Mail says Hodgson's attempts to snatch Ray Lewington from Fulham as a replacement for Michael Appleton have been dealt a major blow.

He has been told by sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth that there is not enough money in the coaching budget to replace Appleton externally.

Hodgson tried to take Lewington to the Hawthorns in the summer but his fresh effort to team-up with the respected coach once again look destined for failure, with West Brom set on avoiding paying a hefty compensation package.

Appleton was named new manager of Portsmouth yesterday.