TARGET BENITEZ

West Ham hope to make their choice by the end of next week.

Also on the shortlist are former Hull boss Marco Silva, ex-Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini and Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca (left). Talks have already been held with the latter two, but Benitez is the front-runner as he retains a good relationship with West Ham after agreeing a deal in 2015 – only for Real Madrid to snap him up.

The new Irons boss will get substantial funds to avoid any more relegation struggles.