West Ham United are “pessimistic” about their ability to hire Chris Wilder as their new manager, according to the Mirror.
Wilder is excelling at Sheffield United in their first Premier League season in 12 years. Heading into this weekend’s match at Wolverhampton Wanderers, his team are sixth in the table with 18 points.
Wilder also has strong connections with the Blades, having been a boyhood fan of the club and coming through the academy as a player.
Which is perhaps why West Ham don’t think they can tempt the 52-year-old to leave his role at Bramall Lane. Instead, David Moyes has emerged as their first choice candidate.
Moyes has been without a job since he left the Hammers at the end of the 2017/18 campaign. It’s understood the Scot is keen to discuss the possibility of a return to the London Stadium.
The West Ham board are concerned the team has fallen into a relegation battle. Manuel Pellegrini is under serious pressure as a result and a heavy defeat to Chelsea on Saturday could see him face the sack.
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Chris Hughton is also on the Hammers wish list should they decide to dismiss Pellegrini. Like Moyes, Hughton is a free agent following his sacking by Brighton and Hove Albion.
While their former boss remains their number one target, the East London club face competition for his services. That’s because Everton are considering reappointing Moyes as well.
Marco Silva is another top flight coach under pressure currently. It’s believed he has three games to turn around the Toffees’ fortunes or face the axe himself.
Moyes is high up on the list of potential replacements. The 56-year-old is well known at Goodison Park having been in charge there for 11 years before leaving for Manchester United in 2013.