West Ham hold talks with Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca but David Moyes is still in the frame

Talks: Shakhtar Donetsk manager Fonseca was pictured leaving Sullivan's house on Monday
AFP/Getty Images
Ken Dyer15 May 2018

Paulo Fonseca has emerged as a leading contender to be West Ham’s next manager, although David Moyes is not entirely out of the frame.

The 45-year Shakhtar Donetsk manager and his agent, Jorge Mendes, were pictured driving away from co‑chairman David Sullivan’s Essex home on Monday following a 75-minute meeting as West Ham explore their options.

Sullivan also had a telephone conversation with Moyes on Monday, during which he informed the 55-year-old he wanted to look at managerial options before making a decision.

As Standard Sport reported last week, Sullivan wants to take 10 days exploring alternatives before making an appointment.

Manuel Pellegrini, Rafa Benitez and Marco Silva are other names on the shortlist but it is understood that Moyes, whose short-term contract expired at midnight on Sunday, has not completely been discounted.

It remains to be seen, though, whether the Scot will be content to be part of a shortlist, after doing the job asked of him when he took over from Slaven Bilic in November.

Despite an horrendous injury list and an undercurrent of dissatisfaction among large sections of the fans, Moyes ensured West Ham’s place in the Premier League for another season, finishing 13th.

In Pictures | Premier League 2017-18 final day | 13/05/2018

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The club hierarchy, though, were aware that some fans were not happy with what they perceived as a cautious approach and wanted a change.

Fonseca, began his managerial career in 2007 after retiring from a playing career in Portugal which spanned 14 seasons.

He managed a number of smaller clubs in Portugal until he got his chance at Porto in June 2013. However, he lasted only nine months before he was sacked.

In May 2016 he took over at Shakhtar and won the Ukrainian league title in his opening two seasons.

Mission accomplish: Moyes isn't certain to get the West Ham job despite keeping them up
PA

He then guided Shakhtar to the last 16 of the Champions League this term, beating Manchester City 2-1 on the way. In the press conference after the match Fonseca wore a Zorro mask— having promised during qualifying to do that should they reach the last 16.

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