Graham Potter open to return to management but role could be temporary

GRAHAM POTTER is willing to take the West Ham job until the end of the season, according to reports.

Julen Lopetegui could well be sacked after just seven months in charge if they lose at home to Wolves tonight.

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And the Hammers are considering making a short-term appointment to steer them away from any threat of relegation.

The former Chelsea boss previously admitted that he’s “looking at things” as speculation linking him with West Ham intensifies.

But SunSport exclusively revealed that Potter was in line for a shock call from RB Leipzig if Marco Rose doesn’t turn things around.

He could be up against former Manchester United Erik ten Hag, who has also been heavily linked with the Bundesliga club.

But Leipzig must act fast as Potter could temporarily take over at West Ham, according to talkSPORT.

Top target Max Allegri, who left Juventus amid disagreements in May, has also held talks with the London Stadium hierarchy.

However the six-time Serie A champ is reluctant to take a job in the Premier League mid-season and would only take it next summer.

Former Brighton manager Potter has been out of work since being axed by Chelsea in April last year.

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He managed 31 Blues games, losing 11 – leaving Chelsea in 11th place in the Prem.

West Ham face Wolves in a crunch clash at the London Stadium with both Lopetegui and Gary O’Neil facing the axe.

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So much so the game has been dubbed “El Sackico”.

Both managers were targeted with chants of “you’ll be sacked in the morning” from their own fans last week as Wolves lost 4-0 at Everton and Leicester beat West Ham 3-1.

O’Neil’s side sit second from bottom, four points from safety.

The Hammers, meanwhile, are 14th, six points from the relegation zone.

West Ham have won just once in their last five Prem fixtures – a 2-0 win at Newcastle.

The board reportedly held talks over Lopetegui’s future last Wednesday, and he likely has one more game to save himself.

Ironically, Lopetegui left Wolves on the eve of last season after being frustrated at not being able to sign anybody.

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