Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is interested in succeeding David Moyes at West Ham this summer, reports the London Evening Standard.
The Hammers are on the market for a new manager after opting against renewing Moyes contract this week.
Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Paulo Fonseca was the frontrunner but now looks likely to pen improved terms with the Ukrainian giants.
West Ham have instead made Benitez their No.1 target and the Spaniard is interested in taking the job at the London Stadium.
Benitez has endured a turbulent few years at Newcastle and is ready to walk out of the club unless he is given assurances there will be significant funds to spend this summer.
The east London outfit will have to shell out more than £6m in compensation to prise Benitez away from Newcastle, but the 58-year-old’s salary demands may also prove a sticking point.
Benitez has done a tremendous job at Newcastle this season and was an outside shot for the Manager of the Year award.
The Magpies were battling relegation for most of the season before a strong finish to the campaign saw them finish 10th, two points above West Ham.
