Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has been identified by West Ham as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui, according to a report.
Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that the Spaniard's position was under intense pressure following Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat at Leicester – the latest blow in Lopetegui's disappointing start since his appointment in May.
The Hammers hierarchy decided Lopetegui's immediate future on Thursday morning and have seriously considered letting go of their head coach after just seven months in charge.
For now, the former Real Madrid manager has escaped the bag and is expected to be in the dugout for the Hammer's big match against Wolves on Monday, but according to The Mirror, the London club are keeping a close eye on Carrick.
The former midfielder made 100 appearances for the side before joining Tottenham in 2004 and subsequently finding success at Manchester United.
Since retiring, Carrick has built an impressive CV and is in his third year with the North East club, having led them to the play-offs in his first campaign.
Boro have started this season in similar fashion and currently sit fifth in the Championship after 19 games. Carrick also held a coaching role at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, briefly taking charge of the club after his dismissal in 2021.
In addition to the former England international, Graham Potter is also understood to be a contender to replace Lopetegui. Edin Terzic and Sergio Conceicao will also receive support at board level.
Ahead of their crucial match at the London Stadium, Lopetegui admitted the 'fans are always right' after Hammers supporters called for his sacking. But he insisted he would not shy away from the challenge.
“I don't think about this,” Lopetegui said. 'We are unhappy and the fans are always right. So far they have given us much more than we have given them. I won't talk bad about my players. I accept all responsibility and pressure.
'I am very happy and proud to stay at West Ham. We are going to change this situation.'
Lopetegui said he remains in touch with Hammers co-owner David Sullivan despite talks this week over his future.
“I talk to him at least once or twice a week,” Lopetegui said. 'He was a kind of owner who was very close to us, the way he talks to us. I'm not going to tell you when I go to talk to him. I always talk to him.'
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