Everton have put the wind up West Ham chief David Sullivan by making a move for the man he had on standby to replace Julen Lopetegui.
- Hammers News exclusive
Both Julen Lopetegui and Sean Dyche are under extreme pressure at West Ham and Everton.
In fact the game between the Hammers and Toffees ahead of the November international break was billed ‘El Sackico’ for that reason.
A turgid match summed up where both clubs are at this season.
But neither West Ham or Everton sacked their managers in the two-week break that followed.
It has since emerged that both came close after offering what was dubbed the ‘worst Premier League game of the season’.
In the meantime Lopetegui has avoided the sack again following calls from West Ham’s away fans during the 3-1 defeat at Leicester.
But it seems it is three strikes and out for the Spaniard at West Ham.
Breaking reports claim David Sullivan has had a sudden change of heart and decided to sack the 58-year-old after 5-0 and 4-1 defeats to Liverpool and Man City.
However, it should be noted that West Ham were also extremely fortunate to emerge with any points from a string of poor performances against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton before that.
It was claimed that an announcement that Lopetegui has been sacked is now imminent.
And that Graham Potter, the man West Ham have had on standby for a month, is the favourite to take over.
The reality is that Everton are having a big part to play in developments too.
In fact Everton forced West Ham into action over Potter as an interview is held.
Potter has today emerged as a major contender to replace Dyche at Everton.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss has reportedly been offered the post behind the scenes as the pressure ramps up on Dyche.
The Toffees boss was ridiculed for comments about the run Everton have been on, saying all it has been missing is some wins.
It was reported that Everton are today considering an immediate change and are attracted to Potter due to the fact he’s a free agent.
In the meantime West Ham simply said: ‘We have to improve’ when Hammers News asked whether Lopetegui would be sacked following the defeat at Man City.
It was reported earlier that Sullivan has had a change of heart and will now axe Lopetegui.
And it is the threat of Everton that has forced his hand.
In fact Potter is now being interviewed by West Ham ahead of an imminent change according to journalist Graeme Bailey.
Speaking exclusively to Hammers News, football correspondent Bailey says Lopetegui won’t be in charge for the FA Cup clash at Villa.
And he has revealed Potter is being interviewed ‘as we speak’ by Hammers vice-chair Karren Brady.
Potter is close friends with Brady’s husband Paul Peschisolido.
“Things have been brewing for months as we all know, but David Sullivan has seen enough and decided to make the change,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“He really wanted to wait until the summer and I don’t think he should be criticised for that, obviously he knows he got it wrong as he was his pick.
“Now he has a big decision, and Graham Potter is in pole position but the fact he will only likely get a deal until the summer highlights that he probably wants more time.”
She has reportedly been pushing for West Ham to give Potter the return to the Premier League he craves since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
Potter has turned down a number of jobs since then.
Now it seems he is set to make his comeback at West Ham.
It is expected Potter will be appointed on an initial six-month deal which will be reviewed in the summer.
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