- Potter has held talks with owner David Sullivan over replacing Julen Lopetegui
- Lopetegui took training despite the club working to appoint his successor
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West Ham have actively worked on alternatives to Graham Potter – but still want their No 1 managerial target to replace Julen Lopetegui.
Potter has held talks with owner David Sullivan regarding taking over from current boss Lopetegui, who took training on Tuesday despite the club actively working towards appointing his successor.
And there remained hope on Tuesday night that a deal could be completed despite an apparent delay in the former Chelsea boss accepting the job.
Sources said on Tuesday night that discussions were ‘delicately poised’ as the Hammers look to get a deal for Potter over the line.
As of early Tuesday evening, Lopetegui had still not been formally told that he was losing his job.
Intriguingly, Everton, who are deciding whether to sack Sean Dyche, are believed to hold a level of interest in Potter.
West Ham are working on contingencies should Graham Potter reject becoming head coach
Former PSG boss Christophe Galtier and ex-AC Milan manager Paulo Fonseca are on West Ham’s radar
Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, an ex-West Ham midfielder, has admirers at the club
Sources have indicated that there have been concerns at the London Stadium that the opportunity to join Everton under new ownership is an attractive prospect to Potter.
West Ham ideally want Potter to take the job initially until the end of the season before re-assessing. It is understood the length of contract is a point that still requires resolving.
In the background, the club have worked on a plan B in the event of Potter turning down the role.
Among those believed to be under consideration is Christophe Galtier, who is currently head coach at Qatari club Al Duhail.
The 58-year-old has extensive experience of coaching in France, where he led Paris Saint-Germain, Nice, St Etienne and Lille.
Long-term target Paulo Fonseca remains on West Ham’s radar, too. Fonseca has come close to joining the club in the past and is currently out of work after leaving AC Milan at the end of last year.
Mail Sport understands that deals for Galtier and Fonseca would be relatively straight-forward to tie up, with both candidates aware of West Ham’s interest. Edin Terzic and Michael Carrick also have admirers at West Ham.
