The Daily Telegraph believe West Ham are looking at potential alternatives if they decide to sack manager Slaven Bilic. The club’s owners are believed to be increasingly concerned about the club’s poor form this season as they sit precariously close to the relegation zone after 12 games.
According to Matt Law, the Hammers have four names already in mind for a shortlist of potential replacements. Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, Marseille manager Rudi Garcia and Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez.
Out of the four names, Garcia and Benitez would be the least likely candidates. Former Roma manager Garcia only took over at the Stade Velodrome a month ago after the club’s takeover by an American businessman. Benitez meanwhile, who was nearly appointed by the Hammers before he joined Real Madrid, has been putting down roots in the North East and is unlikely to leave the Magpies in the middle of the campaign.
Howe and Mancini on the other hand could be a different matter. Bournemouth manager Howe may feel he has taken the Cherries as far as he can go, and may be looking for another challenge while Mancini has been out of work since leaving Inter Milan before the start of the season after falling out with the club’s owners over transfers.
