West Ham United hope to name new boss 'within 48 hours'

Sam Allardyce left as West Ham boss last month after four years in charge

West Ham United hope to appoint a new manager "within the next 48 hours" after interviewing a number of applicants over the weekend.

The Premier League club are seeking a replacement for Sam Allardyce who left last month after four years in charge.

"With the shortlist now narrowed down, talks are entering an advanced stage with the favoured candidates," said a West Ham statement on Monday.

Former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic has been linked with the job.

Bilic, 46, managed Croatia between 2006-12 and announced last month he was leaving Turkish side Besiktas.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp was also linked with West Ham, along with Real Sociedad's ex-Everton manager David Moyes.

Klopp, 47, has since revealed he is taking a break from management.

West Ham finished 12th in the league this season.

"We would like someone who has managed successfully in one of the major leagues in the world," West Ham joint-chairman David Gold has said.

"We want to bring in an established manager who has been there and done it."