West Ham have endured a torrid start to the season under manager Manuel Pellegrini, sitting 16th in the Premier League. After just three wins in their first 13 games, without a win in seven games, the Chilean is under pressure at the helm. West Ham gave him £100 million to spend in the summer transfer window, but performances have been below par. If recent reports are correct, the Hammers could be lining up a new manager to replace him.
West Ham Line Up Manager Replacements for Manuel Pellegrini
Benítez and Hughton Linked With Premier League Return
The Hammers have already begun lining up potential manager replacements, should they decide to sack Manuel Pellegrini. Jacob Steinburg of the Guardian reports that two former Premier League managers are in line for the position. Rafael Benítez, currently managing Dalian Yifeng in China is the first name on their list. After leaving Newcastle United in the summer, he made the move to China, but has already hinted at a return to Europe. However, they would have to pay a substantial compensation fee to land the Spaniard. As such, West Ham are also keeping tabs on Chris Hughton, out of a job since May. Brighton and Hove Albion sacked Hughton after a run of three wins in 23 games, but he is still highly regarded in England.
There is also interest from the Hammers in Eddie Howe of Bournemouth and Sean Dyche of Burnley. It would be difficult, though, to pry them away from Premier League rival. But, they could still be keen on the Hammers job should it become available.
Wilder to Leave Beloved Blades?
Other sources are reporting that West Ham are interested in Chris Wilder as Pellegrini’s replacement. The Mirror’s Darren Lewis writes that, after leading Sheffield United to sixth in the Premier League, Wilder is very much on the Hammers’ radar. It would take a lot to steal him away from his beloved Blades, after he built a side that came up from League One three years ago. After being automatically tipped for the drop, Sheffield United have confounded critics by sitting in sixth after 13 games. As such, Wilder’s stock has never been higher, but will it take him to London?
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