Graham Potter has agreed to become the new West Ham manager after negotiations reached a breakthrough over contract length.
The Hammers sacked Julen Lopetegui earlier on Wednesday afternoon following disastrous results against Liverpool and Manchester City.
West Ham shipped nine goals in a 4-1 defeat to City and a 5-0 thrashing against Liverpool to leave them 14th in the Premier League.
Lopetegui was paid £3million as part of his severance package and the east London outfit have moved quickly to find a replacement.
Graham Potter looks set to become the new West Ham manager
PA
Images surfaced on social media of West Ham chiefs speaking to Potter, who wanted a longer deal than the end-of-the-season contract that was offered.
And the former Chelsea boss has been granted his wish after West Ham offered him a two-and-a-half-year contract, which he has agreed.
It will see Potter return to management for the first time since his ill-fated stint at Chelsea, where he lasted eight months and was sacked in April 2023.
West Ham had made up their minds on Lopetegui shortly after the 4-1 defeat to City on Saturday.
Talks were going on behind the Spaniard's back with potential candidates to take his job, including Potter.
Former PSG boss Christophe Galtier and ex-AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca were also reportedly spoken to.
But Potter remained the priority throughout, though late pressure emerged from Everton, whose new owners Friedkin Group are pondering the idea of sacking Sean Dyche.
Despite the axe sharpening over Lopetegui, the ex-Real Madrid coach continued to take training as normal before his press conference on Wednesday was scrapped by the club.
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Julen Lopetegui was axed by West Ham on Wednesday
Reuters
A statement was made shortly after announcing his departure as manager, which read: "West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club.
"The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.
"The Club can confirm that Assistant Head Coach Pablo Sanz, Head of Performance Oscar Caro, Head Analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, Fitness Coach Borja De Alba and Technical Coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.
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Graham Potter is set to become the next West Ham boss
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"The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.
"The process of appointing a replacement is underway.
"The Club will be making no further comment at this time."
