West Ham 'make Julen Lopetegui sack decision' as Graham Potter stance clear

West Ham United are reportedly poised to sack Julen Lopetegui. The Spaniard joined the Hammers as David Moyes' replacement in the summer, but it hasn't worked out.

Lopetegui was backed in the transfer window as West Ham spent over £100million on five players - including Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Max Kilman. Despite that influx in cash, the Hammers have not improved and have endured a disappointing season so far, both in terms of results and performances.

Following Saturday's 4-1 thumping at Manchester City, West Ham sit 14th in the Premier League table on just 23 points from their 20 matches this season. They sit seven points above the relegation zone and have won just one of their last five matches, with that coming in a 1-0 success at rock bottom Southampton.

Lopetegui had come under increasing pressure in recent weeks and according to talkSPORT, West Ham are now set to relieve the 58-year-old of his duties.

The Hammers return to action in four days in an FA Cup trip to Aston Villa on Friday. They then face Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday before hosting Crystal Palace the following Saturday. It is an important period in the season for the club, as they bid to end the season on a positive note.

In the frame to become the new West Ham boss appears to be Graham Potter. According to the same report, he is the frontrunner to replace Lopetegui - almost two years since leaving Chelsea. The former Brighton boss has spent the last 21 months out of work but could be set for a return to the dugout.

It had been reported that former Juventus manager Max Allegri was in talks with the club. Steve Cooper is another man that has been linked with a return to management at West Ham, after leaving Leicester in November. Ex-Denmark boss Kasper Hjumland had also been tipped to join the Hammers.