West Ham United are reportedly targeting Manuel Pellegrini.
West Ham United face a crucial game against relegation-threatened rivals Southampton after the international break, but speculation once again surrounds their managerial situation.
The Hammers have lost four of their last five Premier League games and sit just two points clear of the bottom three, with fan protests aimed at David Gold and David Sullivan not helping matters on the pitch.
Whether West Ham stay up or not, Gold and Sullivan will face a big decision this summer, as manager David Moyes’ contract will expire, and it will then be decided whether the Scot has earned another deal or not.
However, The Sun report that – providing they stay in the top flight – West Ham already have their top managerial target in mind, with Manuel Pellegrini topping their list.
The Chilean, 65, is currently managing in China with Hebei China Fortune, but will be remembered by Premier League fans for having won the Premier League title with Manchester City in 2014, as well as winning two League Cups during his time at the Etihad Stadium.
Pellegrini, who has also managed the likes of Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga, was a popular figure in England, and West Ham are seemingly keen to bring him back to the Premier League having allegedly made contact over a summer move.
Fans have taken to Twitter to share their reactions to the rumours, with few able to believe that West Ham – in their current state under Gold and Sullivan – would be able to lure Pellegrini to the London Stadium, suggesting it’s a tactic by the board to drive season ticket sales for next season.
Others simply can’t believe the board would prefer Moyes to Pellegrini, whilst one fan sarcastically suggested that Pellegrini must be excited to start his first season as a Championship manager next term.
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