West Ham approach two other candidates as Graham Potter deal hinges on key factor

With Julen Lopetegui in limbo, Potter has held talks with West Ham but it is understood he may be tempted by a possible opening at Everton

Miguel Delaney
Chief Football Writer
Tuesday 07 January 2025 11:37 GMT
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Graham Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea
Graham Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea (Getty Images)

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West Ham remain in advanced talks with Graham Potter to become their new manager, despite Julen Lopetegui taking training as normal on Tuesday morning.

Lopetegui’s position at West Ham is seen as untenable, although much still hinges on whether Potter will decide to take the job at the London Stadium.

West Ham are keen to make the 53-year-old their next manager, having also approached two other candidates.

The Hammers are understood to have sounded out former Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier, while there has previously been interest in Milan’s Sergio Conceicao.

Potter, meanwhile, spoke with majority shareholder David Sullivan on Monday and the former Chelsea and Brighton boss is considering his next steps.

Some close to the situation feel he may be tempted by the possibility of taking an Everton team under new ownership, in the expected scenario they sack Sean Dyche.

It has left Lopetegui in limbo, and a position many in the game view as absurd.

West Ham have considered sacking the Basque on at least two previous occasions, only for the 58-year-old to win hinge matches against Wolves and Southampton.

That trend has spiralled in the last few weeks, however, resulting in a series of dismal defeats, such as the 5-0 home thrashing against Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Lopetegui’s West Ham have suffered recent heavy defeats
Lopetegui’s West Ham have suffered recent heavy defeats (PA Wire)

With West Ham 14th in the Premier League, the former Real Madrid and Spain manager is seen as being on borrowed time but it is still seen as striking with how he has been allowed to continue in the job.

West Ham face Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday night while it has become public that the club are talking to other managers about his position.

Lopetegui's future has been further complicated by tension with technical director Tim Steidten.

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