Graham Potter to West Ham deal stalls as Everton given hope over free agent boss

Graham Potter has been linked with West Ham. (Image: Getty)

Graham Potter's talks with West Ham over becoming the club's new manager have reportedly hit a stumbling block. The club are expected to imminently sack Spanish boss Julen Lopetegui after conceding nine goals in their last two games, with Potter widely touted to replace him.

The former Chelsea boss has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023, and since been linked to a string of new roles.

And it appeared inevitable that he would soon be at the London Stadium after it emerged he was holding talks with club chiefs.

Related articles West Ham make Chelsea-like promise to Graham Potter as part of contract talks Graham Potter lands new job despite Julen Lopetegui on verge of West Ham sack

According to The Times, Potter and The Hammers are at odds over the proposed length of his contract. West Ham are only said to be offering the 49-year-old a deal until the end of the season, while he wants a more long-term agreement.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

That development could now open the door for Everton. Sky Sports have reported that the Merseyside club are also targeting Potter, as the future of Sean Dyche continues to look perilous.

The club's new owners, The Friedkin Group, have been discussing the situation this week. It follows the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth on Saturday, with The Toffees having failed to score in eight out of their past 10 matches.

Julen Lopetegui is expected to be sacked by West Ham. (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Potter is said to keen to negotiate with both clubs. But on Monday Night Football, pundit Jamie Carragher said it was difficult to outline which opportunity would be the best for Potter to accept.

"I think it's more of a 50-50 decision now," he said. "And maybe right now you would veer more towards West Ham because they are probably more guaranteed to stay in the Premier League.

"The fact that I think Potter would choose West Ham over Everton, it's probably sad really that I'm saying it's a 50-50. Because in my mind, Everton are a much bigger club than West Ham."

Don't miss...
Chelsea 'leading chase for Kobbie Mainoo' as Man Utd sweat over key man [LATEST]
Elon Musk wants to buy Liverpool but dad Errol fears FSG will raise price [LATEST]
Rashford could copy Sancho's Man Utd exit as three clubs in transfer race named [LATEST]

Everton currently lie 16th in the table, just one point clear of the relegation zone. West Ham are in 14th after the heavy losses to Liverpool and Manchester City, but are still seven clear of the bottom three.

Potter previously spent three years in the Premier League in charge of Brighton, after joining from Swansea. He was lauded for both the style of the play and the progress he made with the Seagulls, but lasted less than a season at Chelsea after replacing Thomas Tuchel in September 2022.

Graham Potter to West Ham deal stalls as Everton given hope over free agent boss

Graham Potter to West Ham deal stalls as Everton given hope over free agent boss

Graham Potter to West Ham deal stalls as Everton given hope over free agent boss

Graham Potter to West Ham deal stalls as Everton given hope over free agent boss

Graham Potter to West Ham deal stalls as Everton given hope over free agent boss