Graham Potter's tenure at West Ham hangs by a thread as the club's hierarchy actively explores managerial options following Saturday's damaging home loss to Crystal Palace.
The 50-year-old manager faces mounting pressure after securing merely six victories from 25 matches since taking charge in January.
Reports say that the Hammers initiated their search for potential successors even before the latest setback, which marked their fourth defeat in five Premier League fixtures.
Internal scrutiny of Potter's position has intensified significantly, with decision-makers acknowledging the emerging uncertainty surrounding his future.
Graham Potter's tenure at West Ham looks close to coming to an end
|REUTERS
The dismal record represents no improvement on predecessor Julen Lopetegui, who managed seven wins from 22 games before his departure.
Three names have emerged as leading candidates to potentially replace Potter at the London Stadium.
JUST IN: Three things learnt as Liverpool hold on to beat Everton in nervy Merseyside derby
Nuno Espirito Santo, who recently left Nottingham Forest, features prominently among the options being evaluated by West Ham's decision-makers.
Former Hammers player and manager Slaven Bilic has been discussed internally as a possible short-term appointment. The Croatian previously led the club between 2015 and 2017.
Gary O'Neil, who managed Bournemouth and Wolves, represents another option the club recognises as available.
Nuno Espirito Santo is under consideration to replace Graham Potter at West Ham
|REUTERS
West Ham's hierarchy understands that dismissing Potter after just five league matches isn't ideal timing.
However, their active identification of replacements demonstrates the serious nature of the situation at the London Stadium.
Crystal Palace secured their victory through goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell, overcoming Jarrod Bowen's second-half equaliser.
Mateta capitalised on a rebound after Alphonse Areola parried Marc Guehi's header onto the crossbar in the 37th minute.
Bowen restored parity early after the interval, heading home from El Hadji Malick Diouf's corner delivery.
The Hammers squandered opportunities to take the lead, with Lucas Paqueta seeing his effort cleared off the line by Chris Richards.
Mitchell sealed Palace's triumph with a controlled volley after being granted excessive space in the penalty area.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Graham Potter has overseen just six wins in 25 matches as West Ham boss
|REUTERS
West Ham's defensive vulnerabilities from set-pieces continued to plague them, having conceded six of their 11 league goals from corners before the match.
Approximately 3,000 supporters staged demonstrations before kick-off, displaying banners and flags while directing chants at chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady.
The hostile atmosphere persisted throughout the match, with "sack the board" chants echoing around the London Stadium.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Team GB star calls herself a 'track Goddess' after 'sexy and aggressive' World Athletics Championship race
- Lewis Hamilton, 40, explains decision to sell £13m car collection ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
- Sir Alex Ferguson, 83, makes heartbreaking admission after moving house following death of wife Cathy
West Ham fans protested the club's ownership before kick-off
|REUTERS
The home crowd booed their team off at both half-time and full-time. Palace supporters taunted Potter with "you're getting sacked in the morning" chants, which some West Ham fans joined.
The discontent reflects broader frustration about the club's trajectory since David Moyes's departure. The Scot delivered the club's first major trophy in 43 years before leaving, and supporters see little evidence of progress under the current regime.