West Ham to announce new boss in next 24 hours

West Ham will name their new manager in the next 24 hours, the Premier League club revealed on Wednesday.

The Hammers have been searching for a boss since Gianfranco Zola was sacked at the end of an unsuccessful season for the east London outfit and Avram Grant, who resigned as Portsmouth manager earlier this month, is favourite to take over at Upton Park.

Former Chelsea boss Grant led Portsmouth to the FA Cup final despite a chaotic financial situation at Fratton Park and has been strongly linked with West Ham for several weeks.

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway, who guided the Seasiders to promotion on the top-flight via the Championship play-offs, is believed to be another candidate, while Cardiff manager Dave Jones and Blackburn’s Sam Allardyce have also been mentioned in connection with the post.

A statement on the official website 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 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.”

West Ham also confirmed midfielder Luis Boa Morte has been offered a new contract, while Guillermo Franco, Ilan and Mido will all be released.