Hammers co-owner keen to make appointment in 'two weeks'

The Hammers co-owner ruled out a move for former striker Paolo Di Canio, who had been linked with the role, while Steve McClaren yesterday declared himself out of the running for the job.

Chris Hughton, the ex-Newcastle boss, has now been installed as the favourite for the position vacated by Avram Grant on Sunday, after Sullivan wasted no time in sacking the Israeli following the club's relegation to the Championship with a 3-2 defeat at Wigan.

Watford boss Malky MacKay is now the second-favourite with some bookmakers to land the job, with Sam Allardyce and Neil Warnock two other names currently doing the rounds.

Sullivan told Sky Sports News: “I think we'll definitely get an English manager, or a British manager.

“We do need someone who understands the culture and if you get someone with a knowledge of the East End that's so much better.

“We'll wait to see who applies and wait to see what happens generally, but it will be resolved within two weeks, I should think.”