Sherwood plays waiting game on Baggies post

Tim Sherwood is playing a waiting game with West Brom preparing to decide on their new head coach.

The former Tottenham boss has held talks with the Baggies to replace Alan Irvine, who was dismissed on Monday.

Sherwood was previously interviewed for the role in the summer before the Baggies appointed Irvine in June and the Scot has lasted just six months after four wins in 19 Premier League games.

Tony Pulis, the former Crystal Palace and Stoke manager, is also keen on the role and Sherwood believes it is a two-horse race. And the 45-year-old is now waiting to discover whether he has landed the role.

Sherwood has been out of work since leaving White Hart Lane at the end of last season after just five months in charge of Spurs.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in Sherwood’s previous talks with West Brom was Les Ferdinand’s salary, with him keen on bringing the former England striker to The Hawthorns as part of his backroom staff. Ferdinand worked with Sherwood at Tottenham along with Chris Ramsey, who would have also joined them at the Baggies.

But with Ferdinand and Ramsey now both working at QPR, Sherwood may be a cheaper option than before.

West Brom are hoping to appoint Irvine’s replacement before Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie with Gateshead at the Hawthorns.

Assistant head coach Rob Kelly will be in charge for tomorrow’s trip to West Ham with the Baggies 16th, a point above the relegation zone.

West Brom insist reports suggesting Saido Berahino is set to join Liverpool are “entire fabrication”. The 21-year-old started just one of Alan Irvine’s last five matches in charge, prompting reports linking the striker with a move to Liverpool and Spurs.

West Brom’s official Twitter account said: “This Berahino to @LFC story for £23m is and always has been an entire fabrication..."