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Slaven Bilic rejects approach from West Brom

Slaven Bilic prior to kick-off in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park
Image: Slaven Bilic has rejected an approach from West Brom

West Brom approached Slaven Bilic this week to discuss the possibility of him replacing Tony Pulis at The Hawthorns, according to Sky sources.

However, the former West Ham boss is not interested in a swift return to the Premier League after being sacked by the Hammers earlier this month.

West Brom have been searching for a new head coach since sacking Tony Pulis on Monday in the wake of a 4-0 defeat to Chelsea.

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28:  Tony Pulis, Manager of West Bromwich Albion looks on prior to the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion a
Image: West Brom are without a manager since sacking Tony Pulis

Bilic is one of a number of candidates that Albion's board wanted to talk to about the vacancy but, having been sacked by West Ham less than three weeks ago, he rejected the approach - saying it was too soon to return to football.

Alan Pardew, who left Crystal Palace in 2016, remains the favourite to replace Pulis at The Hawthorns.

Slaven Bilic prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park
Image: Bilic was sacked by West Ham earlier this month

Pardew has the support of Albion's technical director Nick Hammond, who worked alongside him at Reading, although West Brom chairman John Williams will make the final recommendation to club owner Guochuan Lai.

Sky sources understand Williams still admires former England boss Sam Allardyce, who was Blackburn manager for two years when Williams was chairman at Ewood Park.

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Pulis' former assistant coach Gary Megson will take charge of the team for Saturday's trip to Tottenham.

Image: Alan Pardew remains the favourite to replace Pulis at The Hawthorns

"I've not thought about it," said Megson, when asked if he was interested in the job on a permanent basis. "I'm not daft enough. The only reason I'm at West Brom is because my mate asked me to be here. We've still got the sadness of Tony not being here."

Asked if he would stay on as assistant without Pulis in charge, Megson added: "No. I've been an assistant for 12 games and a manager for 650. It's not something I particularly want to do."

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