Paul Merson touts Slaven Bilic for Crystal Palace job after Sam Allardyce departure

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Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has touted West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic for the vacant Crystal Palace job.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic

Bilic has endured a tough second season in East London, a stark contrast to his record breaking debut campaign which saw the Hammers finish just four points off the Champions League places.

West Ham have flirted with relegation this season but secured their survival with a 1-0 win over fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur and ended the campaign on a high with an impressive 2-1 win at Burnley last time out.

Meanwhile, having kept Palace up Sam Allardyce dropped a bombshell on Tuesday when he announced his decision to retire from football management with immediate effect.

Sam Allardyce left Crystal Palace this week

That has left the Eagles looking for a new manager this summer.

West Ham’s struggles throughout the season has seen Bilic’s future become the frequent subject of intense media speculation with the likes of Jaap Stam, Roberto Mancini, Rafa Benitez, Slavisa Jokanovic and most recently Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi tipped to replace him in various reports.

Speculation has not been helped by the refusal of co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold to offer the Croatian a new contract.

West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold

And Sky Sports pundit Merson says Bilic would be perfect for the South Londoners as the Hammers owners drag their heels.

“I hope Slaven Bilic stays,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“But if he isn’t going to then I would tell them (Sullivan and Gold) to let him go now because teams like Crystal Palace would definitely take him, all day long.

“He is a good manager.”

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic celebrates

Many fans and pundits feel Bilic has done a good job in difficult circumstances this season with injuries, poor recruitment, the Olympic Stadium move and the Dimitri Payet saga taking its toll.

And while Palace would understandably love to have the Croatian as their next boss, he will surely remain in East London and should be backed in the transfer market by the co-owners.

Bilic has also received some high profile backing this week after celebrity Hammer and British track and field legend Kriss Akabusi threw his support behind the Croatian.