TBR Football understands that former West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is emerging as an option to return to the club.
We understand that West Ham’s hierarchy are considering the future of Graham Potter following a poor start to the new season, which carries on from a far from promising end to last term.
Indeed, a defeat to Crystal Palace this weekend could see the curtain come down on Potter’s current tenure.
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Sources have informed TBR Football that owner David Sullivan has been left shocked by the struggles during Potter’s reign, and a change is forthcoming.
West Ham United chairman David Sullivan
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Sullivan is also aware of fan reaction to the club’s current form; indeed, fan protests are planned for this weekend. Now, West Ham’s hierarchy have been looking at options to come in, and one of those is Bilic.
Exclusive: West Ham want Slaven Bilic to replace Graham Potter
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has revealed that Bilic is ready for a return to English football. He is currently out of work, having left Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Fateh last year.
Bilic previously played and managed The Hammers up to 2017 – including their first-ever season at the London Stadium – and led them into Europe in successive seasons.
The Croatian was lined up to replace David Moyes last year, but the club opted to recruit Julen Lopetegui, who only lasted at the London Stadium only until January.
Watford v Preston North End - Sky Bet Championship
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Nuno Espirito Santo, who left Nottingham Forest earlier this month, has also been linked to the Hammers along with the likes of former Everton boss Sean Dyche and ex-Hammers midfielder Gary O’Neil.
TBR Football exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Jose Mourinho was tempted by West Ham following his dismissal at Besiktas, but he has since agreed terms to return to Benfica.
As previously reported, Potter has been handed a deadline to turn around his fortunes in East London, and Sullivan is forging a contingency plan should the Irons fail to beat Crystal Palace.
How much will it cost West Ham to sack Graham Potter?
Football finance expert Adam Williams has speculated on the amount of compensation West Ham will need to pay Potter should they proceed with a managerial change.
Williams revealed that the Irons reportedly offered Potter only a six-month deal at the London Stadium, emphasising their lack of faith in the Englishman as a long-term solution.
Lopetegui was entitled to £3.3 million in compensation, and Potter is expected to receive a fee in a similar ballpark, dependent on his weekly salary in East London.
However, the compensation will be included in West Ham’s PSR calculation, and considering the club have struggled to remain within the boundaries of the Premier League rules, Sullivan must be certain that Potter is no longer the man to lead the side.