West Ham United won’t be approaching Chris Wilder just yet as Manuel Pellegrini will be given a little more time as manager.
Football.london reports that Pellegrini is under no immediate pressure of the sack. However, the Chilean is expected to pick up results in the next three matches.
Following the Hammers’ 3-2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, the Mirror claimed Wilder was being considered as a replacement for Pellegrini.
That result stretched West Ham’s winless run in the Premier League to seven games – five of which they have lost. They are now only three points outside of the relegation zone.
If Pellegrini is sacked the East London club apparently want to appoint a British coach. Chris Hughton and even David Moyes are also on the list of potential candidates.
Yet they would consider another approach for Rafa Benitez. The former Newcastle United boss is currently in charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifang.
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The Hammers tried to hire Benitez in 2015, but he was lured away by an offer from Real Madrid instead.
When West Ham could potentially make a move for Wilder
There are genuine concerns at the London Stadium about how Pellegrini is performing. The scoreline against Spurs somewhat masked over what was another very poor performance.
But the 66-year-old seemingly won’t be dismissed before upcoming away trips to Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers. After that they host Arsenal and results will need to have picked up by them.
If not, then Pellegrini could well lose his job. If certain reports are to be believed, West Ham will then be trying to tempt Wilder to the capital.
Whether the 52-year-old would leave Sheffield United or not is debatable. A boyhood fan of the club and academy graduate, Wilder has very strong connections at Bramall Lane.
Not only that but he has guided them to the top flight for the first time in 12 years via two promotions in three seasons. They have impressed many this term with their tactics and currently reside in sixth after a fine start to the campaign.
It would take something special for Wilder to leave this project.