Hammers talk on that Stam rumour

West Ham have slapped down newspaper report this morning that Jaap Stam is being lined up as a possible replacement for Slaven Bilic.

The Sunday Mirror ran with the story this morning claiming the Irons had been particularly impressed with his first season at Reading.

And it added that unless Bilic could turn the season around with a big finish, the former Manchester United defender could be on his way to the London Stadium.

The report ignored the fact that the Hammers board would certainly want more than one season of Championship experience.

And a key ClaretandHugh source made it clear that Slaven was still favourite to hold onto the job saying: “A decent finish and some good performances is really all that’s required to take him into a third year. Replacements aren’t in the club’s mind.

“Jaap Stam’s name is a serious bit of kite flying, He has no Premier League experience and hasn’t achieved anything at this stage anyway.