West Ham have few options if Bilic is axed

SLAVEN BILIC is clinging on at West Ham but the board are anxious about their lack of options for a successor.

After Friday night’s 3-0 home loss to Brighton, West Ham face trips to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Insiders say two losses could force the board’s hand, regardless of whether a replacement manager is lined up.

There is concern in the boardroom that there is no obvious option within the club who could act as a competent caretaker.

They are considering a short-term fix, looking at managers with Premier League experience who are currently out of work.

It comes amid frustration that their long-term targets are unavailable. Manuel Pellegrini is in charge of Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune on a lucrative contract, David Wagner wants to see out the season with Huddersfield and Rafa Benitez is tied to Newcastle. Carlo Ancelotti is out of work but has said he wants to sit out this season.

Bilic, whose deal expires at the end of the season, will talk to co-owner David Sullivan over the phone tomorrow. There has been no major fallout between the pair.