West Ham United have renewed their interest in former Chelsea manager Graham Potter as they move closer to sacking Julen Lopetegui, according to reports.
Pressure has mounted on the Spaniard after a string of heavy defeats have left the Hammers in 14th place in the Premier League table, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Saturday 4-1 loss to Manchester City it was the fifth time four or more goals have been conceded by Lopetegui's side in all competitions and came just six days after a humiliating run. 5-0 loss at home in Liverpool.
Unrest among fans at the London Stadium has been evident for several weeks, with performance levels well below expectations from a side that spent over £150million in the summer. tRANSFER windows into the likes of Max Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Multiple sources reported early on Monday that West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has been asked to stay away from the training ground as tensions rise behind the scenes. the pair “not on good terms”.
Later reports, including by The Guardianhave revealed that West Ham's board have met to discuss the long-term future of Lopetegui, who has already been handed a suspension following a dismal performance against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur that resulted in a heavy 4-1 defeat .
talk SPORTS Go so far as to say that a decision has already been made to part ways with Lopetegui, claiming Potter is in talks to take over the top job in east London. Edin Terzic and Max Allegri, formerly at Borussia Dortmund and Juventus respectively, have been touted but are unlikely to take over.
Potter, 49, has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023. He was given just eight months in charge of the Blues after being appointed on a five-year contract – reward for the progress he had overseen at Brighton in the previous three years.
A number of clubs have been linked with Potter since then, both at home and abroad, but he has so far remained on the sidelines waiting for the right opportunity to come.
West Ham Lopetegui was only appointed in the summer after previous manager David Moyes mutually agreed to part ways with the club after his contract expired. The Scot did an excellent job during his second spell at the club, securing silverware for the first time in 43 years with success in Conference League.
The Hammers also finished in the top seven in back-to-back seasons, reaching the semi-finals of Europa League 12 months before they lifted the Conference League after going unbeaten throughout the competition.