West Ham hold talks about David Moyes becoming next manager with Slaven Bilic expected to be sacked in next 48 hours

Slaven Bilic (left) is expected to be replaced by David Moyes (right)
Slaven Bilic (left) is expected to be replaced by David Moyes (right) Credit: PA

West Ham United have already held talks about David Moyes becoming the club’s manager with Slaven Bilic expected to be sacked within the next 48 hours.

Moyes denied there has been any contact but he confirmed that he would be “interested” in taking over at West Ham if there is a “vacancy”.

Although West Ham are still looking at other potential candidates, the former Sunderland, Manchester United and Everton manager is expected to be appointed until the end of this season. Moyes will bring former West Bromwich Albion manager, and his former assistant, Alan Irvine with him.

There have also been discussions about another of his former assistants, Phil Neville, reuniting with Moyes but it is understood that the former defender is keen to try and secure a manager’s job in his own right.

West Ham will hold a board meeting over Bilic shortly - the international break means they do not play again until they face Watford away on Nov 19 - but the decision to sack him appears to be a formality following the 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring against West Ham
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain celebrates scoring against West Ham Credit: REUTERS

Bilic is aware of the situation and would normally hold a Monday morning phone call with West Ham chairman David Sullivan. That conversation is likely to centre on Bilic’s departure with the Croat’s contract due to expire at the end of this campaign. West Ham had hoped to carry on until then with Bilic.

West Ham have been considering their options for a number of weeks but the lack of readily-available candidates has earned Bilic more time. However, there has been a long-held admiration at the club for Moyes who was approached to succeed Sam Allardyce before Bilic was appointed in June 2015 on a three-year deal.

David Moyes (right) as Sunderland manager
David Moyes is highly regarded by West Ham Credit: REUTERS

Moyes’ case has been pushed by West Ham’s director of player recruitment, Tony Henry, who worked with him at Everton. Despite failing in his last three jobs, including Real Sociedad, Moyes is regarded as the kind of experienced manager who can steer West Ham clear of the threat of relegation.

“I have had no contact from West Ham,” Moyes insisted in an interview with BeIN Sports. “I've always said I want to go back into club management. If the right opportunity comes around, I'll be interested.”

When asked directly about West Ham, Moyes added: "I am interested but at the moment that vacancy has not become available. I know what Slaven must be going through. He must be hating it. He will want to get a result as quick as he can. If it comes available, yes. But at the moment it’s not available.”

Slaven Bilic looks like a man whose time is up
Slaven Bilic looks like a man whose time is up Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Speaking after the Liverpool defeat, which left West Ham just above the relegation places, Bilic said he was under "big pressure" and in a "very difficult" situation.

West Ham want Moyes to take over until the end of this season – which it is understood he is prepared to do – before assessing their options.

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