West Ham United have reportedly made a decision over whether to sack under-fire manager Julen Lopetegui ahead of next Monday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lopetegui only arrived at the London Stadium in July following the Hammers' decision to part ways with David Moyes at the end of last season.
However, the 58-year-old has struggled to make the desired impact at West Ham, who forked out over £120m on nine new players in the belief that the former Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Porto and Wolves boss could steer the club towards a return to Europe.
Lopetegui has only won five of his 16 games in charge of West Ham in all competitions, and he suffered his eighth defeat of the campaign on Tuesday night when the Hammers lost 3-1 away against Leicester City, leaving the club languishing in 14th place in the table.
The Spaniard said that he was unaware of Hammers supporters chanting: "You're getting sacked in the morning" at him following their defeat at the King Power Stadium, telling reporters: "I am a coach, I am not aware of what is around me.
"I am only focused on the match. We want to change the situation, and I believe in the players. We have to improve, be more effective and consistent. I am sure we will achieve this in the next challenge (against Wolves next Monday)."
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Under-pressure Lopetegui to remain in charge against Wolves
Recent reports claim that Lopetegui, who signed a two-year contract at West Ham in the summer with an option for a third year, is fighting for his job as the club's board discuss the possibility of heading in a different direction.
Lopetegui arrived at West Ham's training ground early on Thursday morning, and Sky Sports News claims that the board's decision-making process on his future continues.
Now, multiple reports, including one from BBC Sport, state that Lopetegui will live to fight another day and will remain in charge of West Ham for a must-win Premier League contest against Wolves at the London Stadium next Monday.
It is thought that some allowance has been given to the fact that Lopetegui's side played well for long spells of the match at Leicester, but they ultimately failed to take their chances in the final third and conceded all three goals far too easily.
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Lopetegui fighting for his job amid 'advanced' Potter talks
Reports of Lopetegui remaining in charge for at least one more game come at a time when Football Insider claims that the Spaniard is expected to be sacked by the Hammers in the next 24 hours and is set be replaced by former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
The 49-year-old is said to be close to securing an agreement with West Ham after holding advanced talks with the club on Thursday, and he could even begin his new role as early as Friday.
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.
He has since been linked with a host of managerial jobs including England, Manchester United and Leicester City, the latter of whom confirmed the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy last week.
The likes of ex-Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand, former Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt and ex-Porto boss Sergio Conceicao have also been linked with succeeding Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
Oliver Thomas
