West Ham to decide between Marcelo Bielsa and Slaven Bilic for new manager

Slaven Bilic: Former head coach of Besiktas

West Ham's search for a replacement for Sam Allardyce has been narrowed down to two candidates, according to Sky sources.

Slavin Bilic and Marcelo Bielsa are the front runners although Sky have been told a third unnamed candidate also has has a 'tiny chance of getting the job'.

West Ham are expected to make an announcement in the next 48 hours and former Hammers defender Bilic is understood to be in pole position to be named as their new manager.

Bilic has an affinity with West Ham supporters having played over 50 times for the club and is known to have a strong desire to manage in the Premier League.

The Londoners have already met with Bilic, who left Besiktas at the end of last season, after missing out on Unai Emery, Rafa Benitez, David Moyes and an audacious swoop for Carlo Ancelotti.

Marcelo Bielsa: In charge at Marseille

Argentine coach Bielsa has been working at Marseille for the last two years but the fact he does not speak English could prove a stumbling block for the club.

Whoever is handed the reins will have new signings to work with after Sky sources were told the club are in talks to sign midfielder Pedro Obiang from Italian side Sampdoria and Andre Ayew who is a free agent after leaving French side Marseille.