Will Pellegrini swap this for the London Stadium?
Manuel Pellegrini is expected to take the first available flight out of China today following his team Hebei China Fortune’s final game against Chonqing Lifan before a seasonal break (kick off 12.35).
The timing of the Hammers move for the former Manchester City boss looks perfect given the break with the campaign kicking off again on July 18.
However, reports that talks have already been held between the Irons and Pellegrini are not entirely accurate although his decision to fly straight out of the country suggests much of the groundwork has been put in place with advisers via long distance talks.
Meanwhile, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is doing all he can to convince Rafa Benitez to remain at the club and has gone public claiming he will have a war chest in the winter.
But that has not deterred Hammers interest although Pellegrini is fast emerging as the club’s slightly preferred option.
The Chilean, 64, is believed to be ready to quit China for a Premier League return and the Hammers hope that he will be the name they announce as their 19th manager.
However, with such a high profile figure coming in for interview Benitez himself could be tempted to have himself put in the frame before the Hammers arrive at a decision.
” Pellegrini is fast emerging as the club’s slightly preferred option. ” only because he is slightly attainable.
Neither manager is actually available, and Rafa being promised a war chest in the winter… its the summer he would need it you would think ? It is a hard life being a fan of our club isn’t it ? It just never seems to be stable, the last season at the Boleyn was as close as it has come in my lifetime, 85/86 was obviously a great year also, I don’t have a lot of faith in our chairmen to produce the goods but lets see…