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The 48-year-old Geordie, who has worked alongside Big Sam at Bolton and Blackburn as well as at Upton Park, is hot favourite to become manager of League Two strugglers Carlisle.

McDonald was in the directors box at Brunton Park on Saturday to see the Cumbrians' winless start to the season continue with a 4-4 draw against Wimbledon.

He had a successful spell in charge of Carlisle seven years ago before being sacked just one game into the new season for non-footballing reasons never fully explained.

But Carlisle managing director John Nixon wants McDonald back along with former youth team coach Erik Kinder and it's understood the ex-Newcastle and Everton midfielder is keen on a return to frontline management.

If he quits Upton Park, it would be another huge blow for Allardyce, who is under mounting pressure.

West Ham have ordered Allardyce to play attractive football and deliver a top 10 finish this season but the Hammers have already lost their opening two home Premier League games.

But there is some good news for the Hammers boss, with Carl Jenkinson and Matt Jarvis poised to return to action.

On-loan defender Jenkinson (hamstring) and winger Jarvis (thigh) have sat out the start of the new season.

But the pair have declared themselves fit and available to face to Hull a week today.

Allardyce hopes to arrange a behind-closed-doors game for the fit-again duo this week.

New signings Alex Song and Morgan Amalifitano, who are short of match fitness, could also figure in a bid to get up to speed.