West Ham United want Rafael Benitez to replace Slaven Bilic?

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez pictured in November 2015
© Getty Images
West Ham United are reportedly considering Rafael Benitez as a replacement for under-fire manager Slaven Bilic.

West Ham United are reportedly considering approaching Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez to take over at the London Stadium should they decide to part ways with Slaven Bilic.

The Hammers finished seventh under the Croatian last term, qualifying for the Europa League, but have struggled this season and find themselves in a relegation battle having claimed just three wins from 14 games.

Club vice-chair Karren Brady has insisted that Bilic's job is safe, but according to The Mirror, the board are "ready to act" if the side's form does not turn around fast.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez joined the Magpies last season and was unable to prevent them dropping down into the Championship, but has masterminded their dominance of the second tier to make them odds-on for promotion at the first attempt.

Next up for West Ham is a tough trip to title challengers Liverpool this afternoon.

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic on the touchline during his side's Premier League clash with Everton at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
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2Liverpool17114241202137
3Manchester CityMan City17113336201636
4Arsenal17104338191934
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs1796229121733
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd178632417730
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8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom176562321223
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11Stoke CityStoke175661924-521
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13West Ham UnitedWest Ham175481931-1219
14Middlesbrough174671619-318
15Leicester CityLeicester174582329-617
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17Crystal Palace1743102832-415
18Sunderland1742111528-1314
19Swansea CitySwansea1733112037-1712
20Hull City1733111436-2212