Next West Brom manager: Tony Pulis and Tim Sherwood 'hold talks' on replacing Alan Irvine

Baggies keen to make swift appointment

Tony Pulis is unhappy about Crystal Palace’s lack of signings (Getty Images)

West Brom appear to have wasted little time in moving to replace Alan Irvine with reports that the club have held talks with Tony Pulis and Tim Sherwood.

According to various reports, former Crystal Palace manager Pulis and former Tottenham boss Sherwood have already discussed the possibility of replacing Irvine who was only sacked late last night.

West Brom made the "unpleasant" decision to dismiss Irvine after a run of seven defeats in nine Premier League games which has left the team in 16th place, a point above the bottom three.

Pulis was immediately linked with the role, with the Welshman appearing a smart fit for a club desperate to climb up the table.

The 56-year-old was appointed at Crystal Palace in November last year and managed to steer the club away from the relegation zone and up to 11th place in the table - a feat that earned him the Premier League Manager of the Year award.

However, shortly before the start of the current season a disagreement with the Crystal Palace board led to his departure.

Sherwood impressed during his time in charge of Spurs, who he took charge of after the dismissal of Andre Villas-Boas. However, despite a strong set of results he was not retained at White Hart Lane.

West Brom are understood to be keen to make an appointment as soon as possible with the January transfer window to open imminently.