West Ham United and Southampton have been linked with a shock move for Leicester City’s former Premier League winning boss Claudio Ranieri.
West Ham 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 last time out, a result which effectively ended Spurs’ title hopes.
As a result of West Ham’s poor form throughout the season, Bilic’s future has been the 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.
Meanwhile, Saints boss Claude Puel has also been under scrutiny after a poor run which has seen his side go five games without a win in what looks set to be the club’s lowest finish for four seasons in and around midtable.
Saints boss Claude Puel
Puel led the club to the EFL Cup final where they were unfortunate to suffer defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
Both managers retain the support of a large section of their clubs’ support.
So there was some surprise this week when reports emerging from Italy claimed the Olympic Stadium and St Mary’s could be possible destinations for former Foxes boss Ranieri, who is looking for a new job after being sacked earlier this season.
Dilly ding, dilly dong: Former Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri
According to Forza Italian Football and The Mirror, the 65-year-old may continue his career in England with the Hammers and Southampton said to be interested in his services.
“Nice have been linked with a move for the Italian, though it looks as though West Ham and Southampton are more likely candidates due to the 65-year-old’s desire to remain in England,” the report claims.
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