Avram Grant, who resigned as manager of relegated Portsmouth on Thursday, could be unveiled as the new West Ham boss in 12 days’ time, subject to a final interview (check out all ante-post and in-play football markets on totesport.com).
The 55-year-old is the favourite to take the Upton Park post having seen his Pompey side lose in their second FA Cup final in three seasons.
Grant said that leaving the troubled south-coast cloub was one of the most difficult decisions he has to take in his football career so far.
He said: “After a lot of soul searching and under the circumstances, I’m taking a different direction.”
“Portsmouth has given me a feeling of home away from home. I might be leaving Portsmouth physically, but you cannot take Portsmouth away from me and my heart,” he added.
If the Israeli does arrive in at the Boleyn he will take over a side that just avoided relegation last season under former manager Gianfranco Zola.
The Italian was sacked at Hammers manager on May 11 and since then the club, under the chairmanship of David Sullivan and David Gold, have been in the process of selecting a new boss.
Reacting to speculation about Grant, a club spokesman said: “West Ham United can confirm the club is making good progress in the search for a new manager and the appointment will be made by early June.
“The club is in the middle of a thorough selection process which could continue over the next 12 days before being finalised.
“The new manager will then have a month to prepare for the start of pre-season, with all at the club determined to improve on the previous campaign.”
Portsmouth are now in the process of finding a new manager with reports suggesting goalkeeper David James has said he would like the role.
The club’s administrator, Andrew Andronikou, has said that the England goalkeeper, who is likely to be on the plane to South Africa for this summer’s World Cup, has expressed an interest in becoming involved with management.
However, Andronikou did add that the club feel it may be a bit early for James, who will be asked for his input on the new manager, to be considering because he still is performing well on the pitch.
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