West Ham hold Graham Potter talks with Julen Lopetegui future in balance as Everton retain interest in ex-Chelsea manager

West Ham United have held talks with Graham Potter about the managerial position in the event Julen Lopetegui leaves the club.

Lopetegui remains in situ for now. and arrived at the club's Rush Green training ground early on Tuesday morning.

He took training ahead of West Ham's FA Cup third round tie at Aston Villa on Friday night, but the club have been discussing his future following a run that has seen West Ham pick up eight points from their last eight games.

One source has told Sky Sports News that Lopetegui will be sacked once they have an agreement in principle with a preferred target - understood to be Potter.

As it stands, there is no agreement with Potter or any other manager.

Sky Sports News understands that Everton also retain an interest in Potter, should they decide to replace Sean Dyche.

Potter has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 after a seven-month spell with the club, despite signing a five-year deal to replace Thomas Tuchel.

The 49-year-old was previously with Brighton for three years, helping them to a ninth-place Premier League finish in 2021/22, their highest-ever finish at that time.

• West Ham transfer news and latest
• Transfer Centre LIVE! Deals, rumours, news on your phone 📱
• Live Premier League table | Watch Premier League highlights for free

Carra: Potter to West Ham is good for both

Jamie Carragher believes West Ham may finally be getting the manager they thought they were getting in Lopetegui, should Potter be appointed.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, he said: "The whole reason they moved away from David Moyes was not actually the results as such - the last season wasn't great, they had better seasons. In the main Moyes did a good job at West Ham. But I always felt West Ham wanted their 'De Zerbi", a guy who comes in and plays brilliant football.

"But don't forget it started with Graham Potter who came off the back of Chris Hughton who was a different type of manager and they [Brighton] wanted to change things. West Ham wanted to change things and be a team that's on the front foot and take the game to the opposition.

"We know Potter can do that. If he can unlock some of the attacking talents West Ham have got, it's a good move for both if the deal comes off."

Asked whether he would choose West Ham or Everton were he in Potters' shoes, Carragher said he would lean towards the Hammers.

"I think Everton are a bigger club than West Ham. That's probably just me going back to my childhood and seeing them win trophies and West Ham not really winning too much.

"Everton have been so poor for the last 10 years, West Ham have won a European trophy and they are in London, they've got the Olympic stadium.

"I think it's more of a 50-50 decision now. And maybe right now you would veer more towards West Ham because they are probably more guaranteed to stay in the Premier League.

"The fact that I think Potter would choose West Ham over Everton, it's probably sad really that I'm saying it's a 50-50 because in my mind Everton are a much bigger club than West Ham."

West Ham fixtures

Jan 10: Aston Villa (a) - FA Cup

Jan 14: Fulham (h)

Jan 18: Crystal Palace (h)

Jan 26: Aston Villa (a) - Live on Sky Sports

Feb 3: Chelsea (a) - Live on Sky Sports

Feb 15: Brentford (h)

A £1,000,000 SUPER 6 WINNER!

Tom from Southampton became a millionaire for free with Super 6! Could you be the next jackpot winner? Play for free!