West Ham are considering a sensational swoop for Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri as the man to replace Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium helm, reports the Sunday Express.
Bilic is under huge pressure to turn the Hammers’ fortunes around after a disappointing start to the season and must secure a win over Huddersfield on Monday night or could face the wrath of the club’s owner.
The Croat is already in hot water with co-chairman Dave Sullivan after West Ham’s head honcho claimed Bilic turned down the chance to sign Renato Sanches and Grzegorz Krychowiak on deadline day, a statement the former Besiktas boss refutes.
Bilic, whose current deal with the Hammers runs until the end of the campaign, believes his time in east London is coming to an end and it’s prompted speculation linking West Ham with a move for Sarri.
The Italian has worked wonders for Napoli since his appointment in 2015, though the Serie A giants would be loath to losing Sarri.
It would take a monster offer for the 58-year-old to consider switching Naples for London, but West Ham are confident they can convince Sarri to replace Bilic.
However, Rafa Benitez remains favourite for the job, with the Spaniard’s relationship with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley becoming strained beyond repair.