West Ham have held talks with Manuel Pellegrini, as Bookmakers close their markets on him becoming their new manager.

The former Manchester City boss has emerged as the leading contender for the role at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have been looking at their options over who should succeed David Moyes, and their first choice was Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez – but the finances of the deal look to have been beyond what West Ham were willing to go to.

They also spoke with Shakhtar Donetsek boss Paulo Fonseca, but he signed a new deal – leaving Pellegrini as the main candidate.

Bookmakers have reacted on Pellegrini after his current club Hebei China Fortune announced the Chilean’s departure as their manager, confirming he would leave on Sunday.

Now 64-year-old Pellegrini is ready for talks with West Ham, with a view to making a return to England, following his three-year stint which ended in 2016.