West Ham United have allegedly made the decision to sack head coach Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard was the man chosen to replace David Moyes in the summer, subsequently being provided with a transfer warchest to freshen up the squad.
However, the Hammers have accumulated just 23 points from their 20 matches in the Premier League, leaving the club in 14th position in the table.
Between December 9 and Boxing Day, West Ham put together an encouraging run of eight points from four games, recording crucial victories over Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton.
Nevertheless, as per TBR Football, a change in the dugout is seemingly in the offing after shipping nine goals in defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.
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Formal announcement incoming?
Earlier on Monday, there were claims from numerous outlets which suggested that West Ham were contemplating whether to part ways with Lopetegui.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, who was commenting on X, the decision has been taken to move in a different direction and replace the 58-year-old.
His record in all competitions reads seven wins and 10 defeats from 22 matches; West Ham have conceded as many as 44 goals during that period.
Although chairman David Sullivan is said to be considering a number of alternatives, the report suggests that one candidate is above the rest.
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Potter first choice for West Ham
Bailey adds that Graham Potter has emerged as the preferred alternative on a contract that would last for the remainder of 2024-25.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea head coach is said to have already held discussions with the Hammers hierarchy.
Potter has been out of work since departing Chelsea in April 2023 after a reign that lasted just 31 games, winning just 12 even though he guided the Blues through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
West Ham are next in action when they travel to Aston Villa for Friday's FA Cup tie before back-to-back home Premier League fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Darren Plant
