West Ham identify ‘amazing’ manager to replace Graham Potter after new sack call
West Ham are assessing a number of potential managers to replace Graham Potter should they decide to sack him, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Sunderland and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Nuno Espirito Santo has emerged as the latest contender for the role.
Nuno was sacked by Nottingham Forest earlier this month and replaced by Ange Postecoglou following a bust-up with controversial owner Evangelos Marinakis.
However, his time at the City Ground has placed him in good stead to land a new role and he has been named as one of the top targets for West Ham should Potter be sacked.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 28 August that West Ham are exploring alternatives to Potter as they pave the way for his potential dismissal.
West Ham set sights on Nuno Espirito Santo amid Graham Potter sack latest
Brown told Football Insider on 15 September that West Ham are asking “serious questions” about Potter following the 3-0 defeat to Spurs as he edges closer to being sacked.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience working closely alongside elite-level managers including the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United, insisted that Nuno is a clear contender to take over at the London Stadium.
“West Ham are going to be looking at a few managers,” he told Football Insider.
“Even if it’s not official, because Potter is still in the job at the moment, they will have a list of names who they believe could come in to replace him.
“Nuno is going to be high on that list because of what he did with Nottingham Forest.
“He would be in the frame for any jobs that come up.
“They’d be stupid not to have a look at him, even if they then decide somebody else is a better fit, because I can’t see too many out there who are better than him.
“Plus, it’s a cheaper option for them since they don’t have to buy him out of a contract.”
While Potter is believed to have the backing of the board as things stand, plans are already being put in place in case that trust fails.
‘Amazing’ Nuno on West Ham’s radar as Premier League return mooted
Football Insider revealed on 14 September that Nuno could return to Premier League management soon with a number of clubs interested in his availability.
His proven track record of dragging Forest from relegation contenders to qualifying for the Europa League mean he will be a contender for any role should they come up.
Since his departure from the City Ground, there has been no shortage of praise for the boss, as Neco Williams labelled Nuno “amazing” in a heartfelt goodbye message.
However, Nuno is not the only option on the Hammers’ list of targets, with the likes of Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard also linked with the potential vacancy.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna was spotted in the West Ham boardroom during their defeat to Spurs after being invited by the club, fuelling speculation that he is in pole position to replace Potter.
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