Exclusive: 'Exceptional' manager has already agreed to take the West Ham job with Julen Lopetegui's future uncertain

Julen Lopetegui’s future remains in doubt at West Ham United and we understand that Graham Potter has agreed to return to football at the London Stadium.

Lopetegui takes charge of West Ham on Monday evening, taking on fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers – indeed the clash has been dubbed ‘El Sackio’ with Gary O’Neil’s future also in major doubt.

TBR Football revealed last week that Hammers co-owner David Sullivan would ideally not like to sack Lopetegui, although he was very close axing him last week after their loss at Leicester City.

Sullivan does not want to make a change mid-season if he can avoid it, but having given Lopetegui a stay of execution, work has been ongoing on possible replacements.

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Graham Potter ready to return to football with West Ham

One solution for Sullivan is to appoint someone on a deal until the end of the season and we are told that Potter is willing to make a return to management with West Ham on such a deal.

Former Brighton boss Potter has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in early 2023 and he has rejected a number of opportunities to return, but TBR Football understands he has agreed that he would take the West Ham job on a deal until the summer.

We are told that Karen Brady, West Ham’s vice chairperson, has pushed hard for Potter – who is close friends with her husband Paul Peschisolido from their time together at Birmingham City.

Sullivan has also done his background checks on Potter, who was previously called ‘exceptional’ by Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.

David Sullivan eyes short-term deal – leaves Max Allegri option open

If he does make a change, Sullivan is understood to prefer a deal until the summer when the situation can be reassessed.

TBR Football previously revealed that another person of interest to West Ham is Italian Max Allegri, but he is not eager to take charge mid-season despite the fact the London Stadium project does appeal to him.

It is understood that reports suggesting that David Moyes could be in-line for a third spell at the London Stadium, are wide of the mark with West Ham not making any direct contact with the Scot – who is understood to be Everton’s most likely option to replace Sean Dyche, if he leaves before he end of the season.