Graham Potter to West Ham: Former Chelsea Manager nearing managerial comeback after fruitful discussions

Graham Potter is edging closer to making a comeback in football as he nears a deal to take over from Julen Lopetegui at West Ham following encouraging discussions with the club's leadership.

News understands there is optimism from both sides that a deal can be done, with the 49-year-old potentially taking charge of the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash with Aston Villa on Friday.

There are still contractual details to be agreed between the two parties and Everton maintain an interest in the background, as pressure continues to grow on current boss Sean Dyche.

Potter has been out of management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023 after previously taking charge of Brighton and Hove Albion, Swansea City and Swedish side Ostersund.

Lopetegui took West Ham training on Tuesday ahead of Friday's cup tie with Villa.

West Ham have also held interviews with Paulo Fonseca, who left AC Milan last month, and Christophe Galtier, who currently manages Qatari side Al-Duhail.

Potter has been determined to take his time in selecting his next role, feeling it is a crucial decision after the crushing disappointment of his time at Stamford Bridge.

He has been out of work for more than 18 months since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, and he has been determined to take stock after the first really significant setback in a managerial career which has otherwise been on a consistent rise.

Potter turned down the chance to take over at Ajax when he was first choice with the Amsterdam club, and similarly distanced himself from opportunities at Leicester, Southampton and even AC Milan last spring, because he did not feel they were right for him.

Financially too, there has been no rush for Potter to get a new job, because he was entitled to a lucrative severance package from Chelsea which sustained him long after his sacking.

Nevertheless, he has been ready to get back into football for several months, and has been actively considering various options.

West Ham sit 14th in the Premier League with six wins from 20 games.

Carra: Potter to West Ham is good for both

pundit 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 'Roberto 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."