46-year-old touted as favourite to replace Slaven Bilic

According to reports, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has become a surprise candidate to become manager of West Ham should the Hammers decide to part ways with Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers have made a slow start to the season after picking up just several points from several games.

Though they won their previous game against Swansea, should they not play positively during their upcoming games against Burnley and Brighton, Bilic could end up getting sacked.

Dyche has performed an admirable job with Burnley so far this season and they currently occupy sixth place on the League standings.

Many had doubts about the Clarets heading into this season given that they had lost Andre Gray and Michael Keane during the summer who were two of their best players; however they are so far exceeding expectations.

Along with Dyche, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is another candidate that has been linked with the Hammers vacancy. Benitez has openly expressed his frustrations with the Magpies board as they failed to back him sufficiently during the summer transfer window.