So could the Hammer blow of losing Rafa actually happen?

NEWCASTLE United fans will be paying close attention to West Ham’s results in the next few weeks, with the Hammers consistently linked with a move for Rafa Benitez.

Given Benitez’s frustration and the clear tensions between board and manager, the route to the Olympic Stadium now feels like a potential escape route.

Yet how realistic it is West Ham will part company with Slaven Bilic, their under-fire boss? Is Benitez really a target for them?

We asked Football.London reporter Sam Inkersole, who has been covering the Hammers’ fortunes, what the chances of West Ham moving for Benitez before January are.

How close did Slaven Bilic come to the sack last week?

Very. Many people have told me at least one of the three West Ham board members was ready to pull the trigger and fire Bilic (below) but the other two talked them out of it. It cannot be underestimated just how bad that performance was and how it was viewed by the Hammers’ hierarchy.

Has he got any chance of turning it around?

Unlikely. The events of the transfer window with the Diafra Sakho scenario, the failure to sign William Carvalho – everything points to the club trying to force Bilic out of his job. They would prefer him to walk to save money in paying him off. The relationship between board and boss is incredibly strained and it seems there is no fix. Is Rafa a likely target if West Ham sack Bilic? He certainly is. Rafa was very close to joining West Ham when Sam Allardyce was let go but Real Madrid came calling and the Hammers – reluctantly – understood it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Benitez to manage at the Bernabeu. Benitez is still very well thought of by the Hammers’ board and they would certainly be keen to have him on board.

Would the £6m release clause be a problem?

It is the Premier League, £6m is a drop in the ocean. West Ham spent £5m on a loan for Simone Zaza last season so finding £6m to get Benitez would not pose any problem at all.

How would West Ham fans feel about Rafa taking over?

They would be hopeful of getting someone that can stand up to the board – not a million miles away from Benitez’s disagreements with Mike Ashley – and not just be a yes man and try to be everyone’s mate.

Benitez is very well thought of among the Hammers’ fanbase and they would certainly be happy if he was in charge.