Graham Potter joins West Ham

Graham Potter will be announced as West Ham's new manager after Julen Lopetegui departed the club yesterday. Potter has been linked with a move to the East London outfit for several months and it is understood that the Englishman will sign an 18 month deal with a view to a longer contract.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea manager has been out of work for some time, but now looks set for a return to the Premier League after meeting West Ham's owner David Sullivan.

Hammers' fans have grown increasingly frustrated with Lopetegui after a very poor start to the season and huge transfer expenditure last summer. Results have not been delivered, and Lopetegui was sacked yesterday evening.

Potter has been linked with numerous jobs in football, including the England role before Thomas Tuchel was appointed, and West Ham are reportedly delighted to have reached an agreement with the coach.

West Ham will travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup this weekend, and Potter will not take charge but is expected to be in the stands to watch the Hammers play.