Graham Potter to sign six-month West Ham contract as clauses revealed

Graham Potter is now very close to replacing Julen Lopetegui as the new West Ham manager, according to Alex Crook.

The talkSPORT journalist reported via his personal X account [7 January] that the 49-year-old is expected to join on an initial six-month deal, which will turn into a two-and-a-half-year contract if certain performance-based criteria are met.

It is understood that the six-month deal on offer was a problem for the former Brighton and Chelsea boss [The Times], with him wanting a much longer stay in East London, but that issue looks to be resolved.

Crook wrote: "Graham Potter now very close to being named West Ham manager. Expecting it to be an initial six-month deal turning into a 2.5-year contract if certain performance-based criteria are met."

Graham Potter to West Ham United all but done

Lopetegui's future is all but set in stone now after the latest Potter update, and hardly anyone will be surprised with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League currently.

Results have been abysmal, the number of goals conceded has been even worse, and the attacking stars have also faltered in the final third as Lopetegui's failed tenure looks to be coming to an end.

David Sullivan will wonder why he did not act sooner, with the Irons drifting further and further down the table, even with no European football to worry about.

The Spaniard has not been without his problems, facing several injury setbacks during his short spell at the London Stadium, but it now looks to be Potter's job to turn things around.

While some supporters will be concerned that the current squad will be unable to adapt to his playing style, securing Potter to this short deal is almost a masterstroke from the owner.

The Hammers are extremely unlikely to be relegated, just due to the sheer talent in the squad, will provide the new manager with a platform to integrate his own style and potentially sign a couple of new players this month.

In other West Ham news, the Hammers must react now as Ipswich Town are planning a “massive bid” for a new striker.

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