West Ham United's proposed move for manager Graham Potter has reportedly stalled over the length of contract being offered to the manager.
Reports on Monday suggested that West Ham were in advanced discussions about Potter becoming their new manager, despite Julen Lopetegui still being in the role at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui has been under fire for much of the season, following a summer of deep investment which has not resulted in any improvement on the pitch, with the Hammers down in 14th, just seven points above the drop.
The ambition this season would have been to fight to get back into Europe, where David Moyes led them three seasons running, but that now looks an impossible task, with the gap to the top six now at 11 points.
While defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City are not in itself sackable offences by any means, the manner of those losses is what will ultimately be costly for Lopetegui, as his side shipped nine goals across the two matches.
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Potter having second thoughts about West Ham move
Initial reports stated that West Ham were planning to offer Potter a four-month contract until the end of the season, with the view of a new deal if he performs well in the role.
However, The Times are now reporting that Potter is having reservations about agreeing to the deal because he wants a longer contract.
West Ham are not alone in their rumoured interest in Potter, with reports also linking Potter to the Everton job, given that the Toffees are languishing near the bottom again under Sean Dyche.
Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports News revealed the revelation early on Tuesday that both clubs have met with Potter multiple times over the past few months, and could be in a tussle for the ex-Chelsea and Brighton manager's signature.
With two clubs now in for Potter, Sky Sports News have claimed that he is taking a step back to evaluate either option, given that he is now in a position of power, with both sides attempting to persuade him to join.
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Do West Ham have a backup plan?
Kaveh Solhekol, also of Sky Sports News, has revealed that if West Ham fail in their pursuit of Potter to replace Lopetegui, they have two other names that they will attempt to lure to the club.
While not revealing any names, Solhekol claimed that the both managers are world-class standard, with one recently winning a league title and a Super Cup in his nation.
Potter is the man at the top of their list though, and it appears certain that Lopetegui will be fired imminently, and most likely before their FA Cup trip to Aston Villa on Friday.
Andrew Delaney
