West Ham United will reportedly name Slaven Bilic as their new manager by the end of the week.

The Croatian is understood to still be the front-runner for the job following Sam Allardyce was told his contract would not be renewed last month.

Having left Turkish club Besiktas, Bilic was interviewed by the Hammers board but a concrete offer is yet to be made.

But, speaking to the West West club website, co-owner David Gold hinted at the 46-year-old’s appointment.

He said: “It would be lovely to have someone with West Ham history. That ticks a box.”

Jack Sullivan, son of West Ham United co-owner David, yesterday tweeted to say a new appointment was expected within the next 48 hours.

Bilic played for the Hammers during the 1996/97 season and became a favourite with supporters.

As a manager, the former defender has taken charge of the Croatian national team as well as Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow.

Also still in the frame, though, is Marseille coach Marco Bielsa, who is yet to agree to a new deal at the Ligue 1 side.

Sevilla’s Unai Emery has ruled himself out of the running for the top job at Upton Park while Borussia Monchengladbach’s Lucien Favre also appears unlikely to take charge at this stage.