Chris Wilder is a target for West Bromwich Albion as they seek a manager to deliver an immediate return to the Premier League.

Albion announced on Wednesday that Sam Allardyce would not be extending his stay at The Hawthorns after failing to save the club from the drop — the first relegation from the top flight of his managerial career.

West Brom are looking for a boss who knows his way around the Premier League and Championship and Wilder fits the bill, having led Sheffield United from League One to the top division in a hugely-successful five-year spell as manager.

Sportsmail understands West Brom have made initial contact with Wilder’s representatives, and the 53-year-old is keen to return to work and would be interested in the challenge of bringing the club back at the first opportunity.

The bulk of the squad who earned Albion promotion to the Premier League in 2020 is expected to remain for next season, with only goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and playmaker Matheus Pereira likely to be sold, though there is also interest in defender Semi Ajayi.

But Grady Diangana, Callum Robinson, Kyle Bartley, Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong are likely to be around for a second crack at promotion.

Young forward Karlan Grant — signed from Huddersfield last summer in a deal that could reach £15million — should also feel more at home in the Championship after seeing his opportunities limited in the Premier League.

Of the other contenders, former England captain John Terry has some supporters at the club and is keen to move into management. 

Terry is currently part of Aston Villa boss Dean Smith’s coaching team but it is understood Villa would not stand in his way if he wished to take a No1 job elsewhere.