West Ham United have cancelled a press conference that was scheduled for Wednesday as Graham Potter edges closer to being announced as the club’s new head coach.
The east London outfit were due to hold a session with the media at 1.15pm (GMT) ahead of their FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on Friday, January 8.
But that has now been cancelled by the club, fuelling speculation that they are preparing to announce a change in the dugout.
A scheduled team bonding meal with the squad was also cancelled by under-fire coach Julen Lopetegui on Tuesday night, according to the London Standard.
The Hammers have been locked in talks with former Chelsea boss Potter about taking over from Lopetegui, who is expected to be sacked once the Englishman has agreed terms.
Potter previously discussed the position with West Ham director Tim Steidten in December before appearing as a pundit with Amazon Prime.
He has now been offered the job following a poor run of results under Lopetegui which have left the club sitting 14th in the Premier League.
Talks between the board took place this week as David Sullivan and Steidten worked towards finding an agreement with Potter. Lopetegui will reportedly be formally told of his sacking on Wednesday morning.
Reports suggest the 49-year-old will sign an initial six-month contract that could be extended to a deal lasting for two-and-a-half years.
It would mark Potter’s first job back in football since he was brutally sacked by the Blues just seven months into his reign at Stamford Bridge in March 2023.
He had previously been linked with vacancies at Crystal Palace and Wolves, while attempts to work himself into the frame for the Manchester United job proved unsuccessful.
But returning to work in the capital for a club with a sizeable reputation is regarded as Potter’s favoured move after settling with his family, following his appointment at Chelsea over two years ago.
If Potter is appointed as expected, he will become the club’s first permanent English coach at the helm since Sam Allardyce’s reign ended in 2015.
Lopetegui was only hired in May 2024 after David Moyes’ contract expired, bringing an end to the Scot’s second stint in charge.
But the 58-year-old has struggled to find a winning formula, tasting victory in just six of his 20 games in charge.
A 4-1 defeat away to Manchester City came off the back of a 5-0 thrashing from Liverpool, and only Leicester, Southampton and Wolves have shipped more than their 39 goals conceded this season.
