Graham Potter remains in the West Ham hot-seat for now, but the list of managers linked with replacing him seems to be growing by the day. However, that list has shrunk by one this morning following an update from transfer ITK Fabrizio Romano.
Nuno Espirito Santo, Jose Mourinho, Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate, Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche are just some of the great, the good and the less impressive names linked with the Hammers role.
Graham Potter stands in front of Nuno Espirito Santo and Kieran McKenna
Speculation over Potter’s West Ham job is intensifying
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Potter faces what is unofficially a make-or-break game against Crystal Palace on Saturday – a match he simply cannot afford to lose. West Ham’s second-highest shareholder, Daniel Kretinsky, currently in the country, which should make Monday morning’s debrief at the London Stadium interesting, with Potter’s future likely to be very much on the agenda.
Mourinho will move to Benfica instead of West Ham
No way Jose according to Romano
But one of the fans’ favourites to take his place has this morning been ruled out by Romano – Jose Mourinho. Writing on his social media, the Italian journalist revealed:
“BREAKING: Benfica are in advanced talks with José Mourinho after Bruno Lage was sacked overnight!
Understand Mourinho has opened doors to a Benfica move as he wants to return to coaching immediately.
The agreement could be sealed soon.”
The news will come as a bitter blow to some West Ham fans, but as Claret & Hugh revealed last week, the Hammers were never interested in recruiting ‘The Special One’. We were told by a transfer source that there was no chance the Irons would even consider Jose.
If Potter can beat Palace on Saturday the conversation will be irrelevant, but with Mourinho, McKenna, Lampard and Dyche all unlikely candidates, the list is shrinking.