Decorated manager linked with West Ham hotseat to replace Bilic

Rafa Benitez is being linked with the managerial position at West Ham as doubts surround the future of Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers have so far lost four out of their six opening matches of the Premier League season and this has led to Bilic being widely criticized, with some calling for him to be sacked. Should the Hammers end up losing to Swansea this weekend, there is a good chance that Bilic will lose his job.

Since taking over the Magpies, Benitez has done an impressive job and won the Championship title with the club last term in only his first full season at the helm of the club.

The East London club may be hoping that they can convince Benitez to join them as he admitted that he was frustrated by the Magpies board for failing to grant him sufficient transfer funds during the summer.  Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will however strive hard to keep Benitez put.