Belgium boss Roberto Martinez enters the West Ham frame as report makes claim about Manuel Pellegrini situation

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Roberto Martinez is the latest name to enter the West Ham United frame according to new reports.

The former Everton and Swansea boss has led Belgium to the top of the FIFA world rankings.

But the Spaniard has been linked with a possible return to Premier League management with West Ham.

Manuel Pellegrini is clinging on to the West Ham job by his fingernails.

Pellegrini clinging on to Hammers job

The Hammers had nosedived from third in the league to the brink of the relegation zone over the last 10 weeks.

But a 1-0 victory at Southampton on Saturday night has kept the Chilean in the job, for now.

According to a new ‘exclusive’ report from The Daily Star, West Ham owners David Sullivan and David Gold are still considering sacking Pellegrini.

And Martinez has emerged as a new name on their list of potential replacements.

Martinez ‘in contention’ to replace Chilean – report

The Star claims West Ham will sack Pellegrini before Christmas and plan to appoint a new manager in time for the Boxing Day trip to Crystal Palace.

Former manager David Moyes is reportedly being lined up to replace Pellegrini.

The Star says Martinez is in contention for the job as well as the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Eddie Howe.

Whether Martinez would seriously consider taking over West Ham with Belgium one of the favourites for Euro 2020 is doubtful.

How Hammers could lure boss of World’s number one team

It could be that West Ham allow Martinez to operate in both roles – as Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill is doing at Stoke.

There is only one more international break – in March – before next summer.

Luring Martinez would be a big statement. He has led Belgium to a perfect record of 10 wins from 10 in Euro 2020 qualifying.

And his trademark attacking style has seen Belgium score an average of four goals per game, with a miserly total of just three goals conceded in the 10 matches.

As well as being a top quality manager, the appointment could also help West Ham’s recruitment.

Martinez will have superb contacts from his time on the international stage.

And his knowledge of the best up and coming Belgian stars could see West Ham jump the queue on that front too.