Sam Allardyce verbally agrees to become West Brom boss

 Slaven Bilic sacked on Wednesday after 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday; broad agreement on an 18-month-deal for Sam Allardyce, which includes a break clause if Albion are relegated; Allardyce confident he can keep West Brom in Premier League

Sam Allardyce has verbally agreed to become the next West Brom manager, Sky Sports News has been told, and his appointment is expected to be confirmed on Wednesday.

The final details of his contract are still being drawn up, but there is broad agreement on an 18-month-deal, which includes a break clause at the end of this season if Albion are relegated.Allardyce sees the job as an ideal opportunity for him to return to football after more than two and a half years away, and is confident he can keep Albion in the Premier League.The former England manager is currently still at his home in the North West, but he will need to undergo a coronavirus test before he can travel to the Midlands and enter West Brom's secure eco-bubble.

West Brom sacked Slaven Bilic on Wednesday less than 24 hours after the team secured a 1-1 draw at Manchester City."Albion would like to thank Slaven and his coaching staff for their efforts in achieving promotion last season and wishes them all well in the future," read a brief club statement.

Bilic leaves West Brom after less than two years in charge. He initially enjoyed success at The Hawthorns, guiding the club to promotion in his first season as head coach.However, the Baggies have struggled on their return to the top-flight, winning just once in the Premier League - against bottom club Sheffield United.

West Brom remain second bottom of the table, despite the draw against City, but are only two points behind 17th-place Burnley.

'West Brom hierarchy didn't back Bilic in summer'

Sky Sports pundit and former West Brom striker Don Goodman:

I don't think the West Brom hierarchy supported Slaven Bilic well enough in the summer.I understand there are budgets but you look at the recruitment... Diangana, Pereira - players who were already at the club; Krovinovic back on loan.

Gallagher is a quality player but he was in the Championship last season. The striker's the biggest piece of the jigsaw but Karlan Grant's predominantly been in the Championship too. It's been a big ask for Bilic.