Graham Potter 'in talks' with West Ham after Everton manager claim
West Ham United are eyeing Graham Potter as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui, according to reports.
Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging in the balance with outlets claiming that club officials have made their mind up over the Spaniard. Lopetegui replaced former long-serving Everton manager David Moyes at the London Stadium last summer when they decided not to renew the Scot’s contract, despite him steering the Hammers to their first major trophy since 1980 a year earlier.
The Mirror says while a final decision around Lopetegui’s future has not yet been made, fresh talks between Potter’s representatives and West Ham have been held in the past 24 hours while talkSPORT say they understand West Ham United have decided to part company with Lopetegui following their 4-1 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday which leaves them 14th in the Premier League table, with former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss Potter in talks and expected to be named as his replacement.
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Lopetegui previously had a six-month stint in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers and despite taking charge when they were bottom of the table, he started with a 2-1 win over Everton at Boxing Day 2022, and guided them to finish the season 13th before leaving due to concerns over the club’s financial situation.
A goalkeeper during his playing career, the 58-year-old has also coached the Spain national team after previous stints with their Under-19s, Under-20s and Under-21s sides, along with other club positions in charge of Rayo Vallecano, Porto, Real Madrid and Sevilla. Lopetegui has had 20 Premier League matches at the helm at West Ham United, winning six, with his side drawing 0-0 against Sean Dyche’s Everton at the London Stadium on November 9.
The reports emerge after Sky Sports claimed Potter could potentially be the 'front runner' to replace Dyche should Everton sack him.