Hammers close to naming new manager

West Ham have confirmed they will make an announcement about their new manager within the next 24 hours.

The Hammers have been without a manager since they sacked Gianfranco Zola, shortly after the team narrowly avoided relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

Avram Grant has emerged as the leading candidate for the Upton Park job after he left Portsmouth following a turbulent tenure in charge.

Ian Holloway, who guided Blackpool to the top flight, Cardiff boss Dave Jones and Sam Allardyce of Blackburn have also been linked with the position but Grant appears to be in the driving seat.

A statement on the official website, www.whufc.com, on Wednesday read: "West Ham United will make a formal announcement of the club's new manager within the next 24 hours.

"The club have been conducting a thorough recruitment programme in recent weeks and made excellent progress after considering a number of candidates.

"The squad are set to report back for pre-season training on Monday July 5, meaning the new manager will have plenty of time to put together his squad for the 2010-11 campaign.

"With the aim to build on the proven international talent in the ranks and exciting youngsters coming through, the club expect a number of new signings to be made over the coming weeks."

The club also confirmed midfielder Luis Boa Morte has been offered a new contract, with his current deal due to run out on June 30.