FORMER Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has reportedly emerged as a shock contender to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
Lopetegui’s future at the London Stadium is currently in doubt amid a poor run of form.
The Hammers sit 14th in the Premier League table, six points above the relegation zone.
Some board members are now understood to be losing faith in the Spaniard.
They are expected to make a decision on his future within the next 48 hours.
And Florian Plettenberg has claimed that executives have already identified some potential replacements.
Hjulmand is allegedly one of the candidates being considered by the Hammers.
The 52-year-old, who most recently coached the Denmark national team, is prepared for a new challenge.
However, West Ham fans are not happy with the potential new boss.
One person took to social media to write: “Tim Steidten might just have to follow Julen Lopetegui out the door too.”
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Another commented: “Behave! Another shocking decision if that’s one the club want to progress with.”
A third said: “Just liquidate us at this point.”
While a fourth wrote: “Done absolutely nothing at club level in his career ffs. Shouldn’t go near him one bit.”
Hjulmand managed Danish sides Lyngby and Nordsjaelland as well as Mainz before being appointed Denmark manager in 2020.
He spent four years with the national team before resigning.
Former Benfica manager Roger Schmidt is also being linked with the job.
SunSport revealed this week that Lopetegui had a blazing row with Hammers defender Jean-Clair Todibo during Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Arsenal.
Todibo vented his frustrations in the home dressing room at half-time, leading to a heated altercation with his manager.
