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The Hammers have yet to start talks with current manager Sam Allardyce about a new contract.

And despite claims by both the club and the former Bolton and Blackburn chief himself, the nearer the end of the season gets with no sign of negotations even starting the greater the chances of the Hammers needing somebody new at the helm.

They have previously been linked with David Moyes, but 36-year-old Monk has emerged as a serious candidate after flourishing with the Swans this season.

The Welsh club have equalled their record Premier League points tally with six games to go, having reached 47 with a 1-1 home draw with Everton on Saturday.

Monk took over as interim player-manager from Michael Laudrup in February 2014 and secured the club's survival in the top flight.

He signed a permanent deal in May which still has two seasons to run.

But the Hammers are aware Monk is not on big wages and his contract has a comparatively small release clause.

Sunderland are also interested, plus a number of teams in Europe, with Monk emerging as one of the brightest young English managers around.

Clubs have been impressed by the fact he has performed well on a limited budget, with the Swans picking up 18 points in the 12 matches since they sold star striker Wilfried Bony to Manchester City for £28m in January.