Everton new manager: Sky journalist shares huge Graham Potter news in last hour
Everton have suffered a blow to any chance of securing Graham Potter who has held further positive talks with West Ham United, according to Rob Dorsett.
The journalist revealed live on Sky Sports (7 January) that Potter and the Hammers have enjoyed productive discussions with a view to replacing Julen Lopetegui in taking the reins at the London Stadium.
The Toffees have been told they must “move quickly” if the Friedkins are serious about lining up the former Chelsea boss to replace Sean Dyche, whose position is under pressure with the club 16th in the Premier League.
Dorsett announced: “This is significant information I’ve been given. I can tell you Graham Potter is closing in on a return to football more than 18 months after he was sacked by Chelsea, and he’s getting closer to becoming the West Ham head coach.
“There have been positive further talks between Potter and West Ham officials [Tuesday afternoon], and there is optimism on both sides that a deal can be done. There are still some contractual details to be agreed, but it is very possible Graham Potter could be in charge of the West Ham side for their next match against Aston Villa.
“[Everton’s] interest remains in the background I understand, but as things stand, things are progressing between West Ham and Potter – and all the indications are that Potter will be the next West Ham manager.”
Everton set to miss out on Graham Potter
Everton were right to register an interest in Potter, but it always looked as if West Ham were far more convinced of dispensing with their current head coach than the Toffees were of Dyche.
The Friedkin Group have shown with Roma that they are unafraid to make huge calls at the drop of a hat, but it looks as if they will have to own their hesitation with Potter now seemingly West Ham-bound.
The move to the capital will see Potter return to the Premier League after nearly two years away, when he was dismissed by Chelsea, having since rejected a number of new job opportunities.
Jamie Carragher was among those to admit a move to West Ham rather than Goodison Park would be the more appealing of the two at present, due to the Hammers’ reduced likelihood to face relegation fears this season.
The two are currently two positions apart in the Premier League table, with a six-point difference in the Irons’ favour albeit having played an additional game to the Toffees.
In other Everton news, early team news emerges ahead of the FA Cup tie with Peterborough United.
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