Carlisle have reportedly asked the Hammers permission to speak to speak to assistant manager Neil McDonald in an attempt to persuade him to rejoin League 2 Carlisle United as manager after sacking ex-Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh last week.

McDonald previously managed Carlisle United in the summer 2006 following Paul Simpson’s departure to Preston North End. In that reign, he got off to a winning start in his first competitive match as manager, beating Doncaster Rovers 1–0 in League One. The team finished the season in 8th place, Carlisle’s highest league placing in 20 years. McDonald was sacked from his post as Carlisle United manager on 13th August 2007, a statement on the club’s website read “The board of Carlisle United regret to say that they have lost confidence in Neil McDonald and are terminating his contract forthwith.”

McDonald is said to have watched from the director’s box as his former club drew 4-4 against AFC Wimbledon at Brunton Park on Saturday  watching the game with Blackburn’s Under-21 coach and ex-Carlisle youth boss Eric Kinder.

Sky Sports reporter Amy Lewis has reported “We understand Carlisle have asked to speak to Sam Allardyce’s assistant Neil McDonald about their vacant managers position”

Bookies Bet Victor have Neil McDonald 1/5 odds on favorite to take over as manager with Willie McStay second favourite at 10./1