'Significant' developments are reportedly expected within the next 24 hours over the future of West Ham United's Julen Lopetegui and Everton's Sean Dyche, with both clubs having held talks with Graham Potter.
It is understood that both managers are fighting to keep their respective jobs and have come under increased pressure, with animosity from some supporters growing, following poor runs of form in the Premier League this season.
Lopetegui replaced David Moyes as West Ham boss last summer and the Hammers spent over £120m on nine new players, but the Spaniard has only won six of his 20 Premier League games in charge of the club, who sit 14th in the table.
A recent report suggested that Lopetegui is increasingly likely to be relieved of his duties, with club chairman David Sullivan said to be considering a number of managerial alternatives.
Dyche, meanwhile, is reportedly having his future assessed by Everton's new owners - the Friedkin Group - following a run of just one win in his last 11 games, leaving the Toffees in 16th place and hovering just a point above the relegation zone.
© Imago
Top candidate Potter in talks with both West Ham and Everton
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, neither West Ham or Everton want to change their manager at this stage of the season and had hoped to wait until the summer to reassess their respective situations.
However, poor form and growing unrest from supporters has forced the hierarchies of both clubs to 'rethink with some urgency', with Potter emerging as a top candidate for the Premier League duo.
Potter is said to have met with senior officials at both West Ham and Everton on several occasions in recent months, and most recently held talks with representatives of the former on Monday.
Both Lopetegui and Dyche arrived at their respective training grounds on Tuesday morning ahead of FA Cup ties this weekend, but further talks are expected with Potter between West Ham and Everton and developments are expected to move quickly over the next 24 hours.
© Imago
Where will Potter end up? West Ham, Everton or neither?
Potter has been out of work since April 2023 when he was sacked by Chelsea after less than seven months in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The 49-year-old has since been linked with a host of managerial jobs including England, Manchester United, Leicester City, Ajax and Lyon, allegedly turning down opportunities to manage the latter two in 2023.
Potter could be tempted by a return to the Premier League with either West Ham or Everton, but it is claimed that the ex-Brighton and Swansea boss 'will drive a hard bargain' with both clubs and is aware that he is in a 'position of strength' to choose between the two, or neither.
From a financial perspective, Potter is in no rush to jump back into management, as he was entitled to a lucrative severance package - allegedly around £13m - from Chelsea which sustained him long after his dismissal 18 months ago.
Potter is, however, said to be ready to pursue a fresh challenge in management and has been 'actively' considering various options during his time away from the game.
Oliver Thomas
