West Ham will not make a move for Rafa Benitez if they do decide to sack current manager Manuel Pellegrini, according to reports in the English media.

The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle boss is believed to have a £15m release clause in his contract with Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, which would prove too costly for the Hammers.

In addition, Benitez is expected to demand an £8m a year salary which is well beyond what the West Ham board are willing to pay to Pellegrini’s potential successor.

Some reports have suggested that the Chilean has two games to save his job, with results against Arsenal and Southampton expected to be crucial in deciding his future.

The Irons have a free weekend with the match against Liverpool having been cancelled due to the Reds travelling out to Qatar for the Club World Cup. It would provide a good opportunity for a new manager to take charge.

However, that man is unlikely to be Benitez. The Champions League winner will be a pundit for tonight’s game against Arsenal, where he could be asked about a potential return to England.