Dudley-born Allardyce, who made a single appearance for Albion between 1989-91 in a player-coach role, has been out of work since being sacked from Everton at the end of last season.

Bookmakers have changed Allardyce's odds from 25/1 to 5/2 in a matter of twelve hours.

Caretaker manager James Shan has been keeping the Baggies hot seat warm, following Darren Moore's dismissal after the 1-1 home draw with Ipswich Town on the March 9.

In this time, Shan has overseen three consecutive wins - matching the club's longest winning run this season and cementing their place in the Championship play-off positions.

With seven more league games to play, plus the likelihood of the play-offs, Albion's owners may feel they still have time to act, despite Shan's recent success.

Albion are set to speak to Shan this week about boosting his coaching staff as they seek the best way to see out the season - although the bookmakers have tipped the former England man to step in following the 3-2 win over Blues.

Michael Appleton, Craig Shakespeare, Steven Reid and Kevin Phillips are all thought to be under consideration to assist Shan.

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The caretaker boss is currently working with loans manager Deon Burton, under-23s boss Jamie Smith, and academy manager Mark Harrison.

Albion travel to Millwall this weekend looking to continue their winning run, before taking on play-off hopefuls Bristol City on Tuesday.

West Brom next manager odds:

Sam Allardyce: 11/8

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James Shan: 5/4

Alex Neil: 4/1

Slavisa Jokanovic: 16/1

Michael Appleton: 20/1

David Wagner: 22/1

Tim Sherwood: 25/1