Hammers make move for Benitez

WEST HAM will make an approach for Rafa Benitez after showing David Moyes the door.

The Scot was told on Tuesday morning, as expected, that his contract at the London Stadium would not be renewed.

Newcastle boss Benitez (right) heads a four-man shortlist and

THEY’VE always said they have big ambitions – now they want a big name to fulfil them.

West Ham chiefs are desperate for a brand of football to inject some much-needed soul into the London Stadium.

They are keen to get some return from their investment in the most expensive squad they have ever had.

And, after Sam Allardyce and David Moyes, they want a man able to establish a connection with the fans and to attract quality to the East End. Step forward, Rafa Benitez. Newcastle chief Mike Ashley may be dragging his heels over backing the Spaniard in the transfer market, but West Ham are ready to give him whatever he wants to come to London.

The Irons have won few friends for the way in which they parted company with David Moyes, who saved them from relegation.

The Scot lifted them from 18th to 13th and inspired the improved form of record signing Marko Arnautovic, which ultimately proved the difference.

Moyes restored discipline, organisation and focus, which saw the Hammers squad through the fans’ protests against the owners and the club’s crippling injury problems.

Remarkably, however, there were still some supporters who were not having him and were convinced the club could do better. The board, ultimately, agreed. Moyes had to be nudged into signing midfielder Joao Mario, who has gone on to impress, from Inter Milan in January.

His other January signing, £8million striker Jordan Hugill from Preston, has made just three appearances.

The explosion of anger during the Burnley game in March shamed the club.

But the owners have been confronted on other occasions too, with fans attacking their running of the club.

And just as Rafa (below) quelled a previously unhappy Newcastle fan base, West Ham believe the 58-year-old Spaniard can lift an underachieving Irons squad and placate the fans.

West Ham have tried for big managers before. After sacking Big Sam three years ago, they tried to tempt Jurgen Klopp.

They held talks with revered former Marseille head coach Marcelo Bielsa two years ago, before bringing in Slaven Bilic.

Now, they know that, with a big-name boss, comes a big commitment and they feel they have learnt their lessons.

Now, they are prepared to push the boat out for the man who takes over from Moyes.