West Ham could appoint Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui before the Fulham fixture next Tuesday, according to Claret & Hugh journalist Sean Whetstone.

The insider is believed to have sources close to owner David Sullivan and, writing on his X account, he said that Potter’s arrival is looking increasingly likely:

Increasing likihood that Graham Potter will be charge of West Ham at the London stadium for the Fulham home game.

Nothing set in stone as yet but probability growing hour by hour pic.twitter.com/fBW9WuuYSH

— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) January 6, 2025

Potter has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, but he has been tipped to replace Lopetegui at the London Stadium in recent weeks.

Lopetegui is in the last chance saloon

The Hammers board have reportedly begun to lose patience with the current head coach following the heavy 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend.

It is believed that Lopetegui will be in charge when his team take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday evening but, if they lose, he could be summarily dismissed very quickly after the game.

West Ham could appoint Potter until the end of the season

It is believed that the ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss may only be hired on an interim basis initially, with his performances being assessed between now and May.

If Potter performs well, he could get the job for the long term. However, the club are also said to have identified other managers as options for next summer.

Former Juventus boss Max Allegri and Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick would be in the running. For now, Lopetegui remains in his post but it seems his time with the Hammers could soon be over.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here