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Bilic left West Ham United last October.

Slaven Bilic the leading candidate to manage China’s national team – seven months after his departure from West Ham United, according to the Sun.

Bilic has remained out of work since he was sacked by the Hammers, despite reports of interest from Stoke City in January.

But the 49-year-old could be set for a return to football, with China’s existing boss Marcello Lippi said to be on borrowed time after a series of poor results.

Bilic led West Ham to seventh- and 11-place finishes in his two full seasons at the club, having previously managed at clubs in Turkey and Russia.

Although it was the Croat’s spell in charge of his own national team – whom he led to the 2008 European Championships at England’s expense, where they finished as quarter-finalists – that enhanced his reputation as a coach.

Manuel Pellegrini left China’s Super League to become West Ham’s new manager on a three-year deal earlier this week.

In other news, 'Take it': Some Arsenal fans react to rumour they could make £21m loss on Wenger signing