West Ham have reportedly identified Claudio Ranieri as a backup plan in case they fail to appoint one of their preferred choices as the club’s new manager.
According to claims from the Guardian, Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is one of the managers who West Ham are seriously considering moving for as they aim to replace David Moyes.
However, fresh claims on Friday have indicated that Manuel Pellegrini is leading the race to become the new manager at the London Stadium.
It seems as though the hierarchy at West Ham have a good idea of the candidates who they would prefer to become the Hammers’ next permanent boss, but Ranieri is noted by the Guardian as a potential option should they need it.
The experienced Italian, who won the Premier League against all odds with Leicester City in the 2015/16 season, was recently sacked by Ligue 1 side Nantes and is now available for work.
Ranieri could be offered an instant return to management by West Ham, but only if they are unable to land one of their top targets, according to these recent reports.
