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Roberto Mancini is waiting in the wings to take over at West Ham if Slaven Bilic fails to turn it around.

Manager Mancini was at the London Stadium to see the Hammers lose 4-0 to his old club Manchester City on Wednesday, and he is understood to be keen on a return to the Premier League.

It was the third time this season Pep Guardiola’s men have been easy winners against Bilic’s side, winning the three games by a combined 12 goals to one.

There is an acceptance at West Ham that despite being poor on the night, they were beaten by an impressive display from the Blues. But the onus is now on boss Bilic to to inspire the players to respond with improved performances for the remainder of the campaign.

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(Image: Getty)

The Croat’s bosses at the London Stadium will review his position in the summer when he'll have just a year left on his contract.

This season’s slump appears to vindicate the Hammers board's decision not to rush into giving him a new deal during his impressive debut campaign a year ago.

Mancini, 52, who was also at Arsenal’s shock defeat to Watford the previous evening, steered City to their first league title for 44 years back in 2012 and also lifted the FA Cup 12 months previously.

He is currently a free agent after spells at Galatasaray and Inter Milan, following his dramatic Etihad axing shortly after losing to Wigan in the 2013 FA Cup final.

(Image: Getty) (Image: PA)

The former Italy international steered Inter to three Serie A title, has lifted the Coppa Italia four times as a coach with them, Lazio and Fiorentina and also won the Turkish Cup at Galatasaray.

West Ham's owners David Sullivan and David Gold prefer to back their managers and point to the patience they showed towards Bilic’s predecessor, Sam Allardyce, despite his inability to bond with the fans and concerns over his preferred style of play.

And there is genuine disappointment that the club were unable to build on last season’s heroics, which saw them challenge for the top four.

Hammers fans are particularly disappointed by the poor signings made last summer, and the club will look to overhaul the squad once again at the end of the season with a new goalkeeper, a central midfielder and another striker wanted.

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The decision by Dimitri Payet to down tools is not seen as an excuse for the team’s failings.

Injuries to key players such as record-signing Andre Ayew, however, are considered to be a factor.

Although ex-Southampton defender Jose Fonte endured a nightmare debut on Wednesday following his £8million move from St Mary’s, the club are confident he will prove an asset, along with £10.2m winger Robert Snodgrass, who was signed from Hull last month.