Graham Potter’s talks to become West Ham’s new head coach have stalled as Everton also target the 49-year-old, according to The Times.
The newspaper reported via its website [7 January] that the former Brighton and Chelsea manager has reached a deadlock over the proposed length of his contract to replace Julen Lopetegui.
It is understood that, while Potter has been offered a deal until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, he has asked for a two-and-a-half-year deal instead despite being willing to accept a shorter deal last month.
With Sean Dyche’s two-year tenure at risk of coming to an end at Goodison Park following a review by The Friedkin Group, Potter is one of the names on the list of his potential successors.
Graham Potter to Everton still on?
Given the speculation circulating around Dyche’s future, Potter looks like one of the best candidates to take over his post at Goodison Park.
The current manager in charge, albeit plagued by a number of key injuries, has led the Toffees to sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the dropzone after 19 matches.
Despite the excitement around TFG’s takeover and their plans for the future, relegation looks like a very real possibility for the end of the 2024/25 campaign, which would be detrimental for the Blues.
With the club set to move to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, the Toffees would be put in a rather precarious position if playing Championship football next term.
That can absolutely not be allowed to happen, and the concern will be that if a decision on a new manager is not made quickly, it could be too late for the Toffees.
While Potter’s style of football might be too eccentric for the current squad, his experience with Chelsea, Brighton and Swansea City should allow him to adapt to the new challenge.
The links have certainly raised eyebrows on Merseyside, but if the current trend continues under Dyche, there may be no other option to hire the 49-year-old before he resolves his issues with the Hammers.
