Sam Allardyce has emerged as a contender to fill the managerial vacancy at West Brom, who are ready to target the 63-year-old should he be sacked by Everton.

A 0-0 draw against a weakened Liverpool side in yesterday’s Merseyside derby increased scrutiny on Allardyce’s position at Goodison Park. Everton are likely to postpone a decision on whether to retain him until the end of the season.

Allardyce was appointed last November, with a contract believed to be worth £6m a season running until 2019. Should Everton decide to buy him out of that contract, West Brom may provide his next haven.

FT West Brom 1 - 1 Swansea

West Brom, who drew with Swansea yesterday, appear doomed to relegation and are preparing for life in the Championship. They declined to appoint an