West Ham are poised to axe Nuno Espirito Santo after the club’s nightmare relegation from the Premier League, with crunch talks already underway over the Portuguese manager’s future.
The 52-year-old is locked in discussions with the Hammers hierarchy following the collapse of the club’s 14-year stay in the top flight, despite Sunday’s victory over Leeds United.
Under the terms of the contract he signed back in September, both Nuno and the club hold the power to walk away following relegation.
This means West Ham could dismiss the former Wolves and Tottenham boss without paying compensation.
Nuno’s deal, which ran for three years, was reportedly worth as much as £8million per season including survival-related bonuses.
The former Nottingham Forest manager was drafted in after just five Premier League matches earlier this campaign, replacing Graham Potter following a disastrous start to the season.
West Ham are poised to axe Nuno Espirito Santo after the club’s nightmare relegation from the Premier League, with crunch talks already underway over the Portuguese manager’s future
|GETTY
Nuno Espirito Santo guided West Ham to victory over Leeds on Sunday
|GETTY
Potter departed with West Ham stranded on only three points, though Nuno ultimately failed to rescue the club from the drop despite overseeing an upturn in results.
The Hammers finished the campaign on 39 points, the highest total recorded by a relegated side since Birmingham City and Blackpool both suffered the drop in 2011.
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The final Premier League table in full as Arsenal crowned champions and West Ham relegated | GB NEWSNuno refused to be drawn on his future after the final whistle on Sunday, with Tottenham’s win over Everton sealing West Ham’s fate regardless of their own result.
"It’s not about me," he said.
"We are in a tough place and West Ham has to go back in the Premier League.
"But now we have to go through this period of sadness, understanding the frustration and anger of the fans."
Former West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has already emerged as a contender to replace Nuno after leaving Burnley before the end of the season
| PAFormer West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has already emerged as a contender to replace Nuno after leaving Burnley before the end of the season.
The ex-Fulham and Bournemouth boss is currently available and is believed to be firmly in the frame as the club begin planning for life in the Championship.
West Ham are also braced for a major squad overhaul this summer amid growing financial concerns behind the scenes.
The club are expected to sanction significant player sales in a bid to raise more than £100million, with several first-team stars likely to depart.
Captain Jarrod Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Tomas Soucek and Crysencio Summerville are all expected to attract serious interest as West Ham prepare for a dramatic rebuild following relegation.