Graham Potter could take charge of West Ham’s next game as Hammers close in on Julen Lopetegui replacement

Graham Potter could be in charge of West Ham for their FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on Friday night, talkSPORT understands.

The former Chelsea and Brighton boss is very close to signing a deal that will see him succeed Julen Lopetegui at the Hammers helm.

A breakthrough in negotiations means Potter is expected to join imminently on an initial six-month deal rising to two-and-a-half years assuming he hits certain targets.

And his first task will be a tough one as West Ham take on the Champions League side at Villa Park in the third round tie, live on talkSPORT.

West Ham are yet to announced Loptegui's departure and it's understood he took training with the team on Tuesday.

The Spaniard joined the Hammers in the summer as the successor to David Moyes, but is set for a swift exit with the club 14th in the Premier League.

Lopetegui has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid their poor form, with just six wins coming from 20 league games.

A 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday appears to be the final straw.

Potter has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in April 2023 following a successful stint at Brighton.

talkSPORT reported last month that former Juventus manager Max Allegri was in talks with West Ham.

Sporting director Tim Steidten also faces an uncertain future at West Ham.

That comes as it emerged Steidten is staying away from the training ground after a breakdown in his relationship with Lopetegui.

West Ham spent around £130million on nine new players in the close season, but have lost nine of their 20 top-flight games this season.

Speaking to talkSPORT about Lopetegui as it was revealed he is facing the sack, West Ham legend Tony Cottee said of club chiefs: "They should hang their heads in shame.

"Tim Steidten, the board, it's a pathetic appointment in the first place and I can't believe what they do at times. West Ham is my club but it was just so the wrong appointment.

"Yes you can blame Lopetegui... But Tim Steidten is the director of football, David Sullivan is in charge of the club. They've got to take responsibility, they can't keep making these stupid mistakes.

"If you get rid of one of West Ham's most successful managers in terms of trophies then you've got to make the right appointment."

An unbeaten run of four matches, which included two wins, over the festive period had sparked a sense of an upturn in form.

But the Hammers have tasted back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, with the City result following a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool.

Although West Ham remain seven points above the relegation zone, the club's hierarchy plan to make a change now.

A push for European qualification during the second half of the season appears to be an unlikely prospect as of now.

It would spark a second consecutive campaign without continental football just two years after they won the UEFA Conference League.

West Ham's chances of success ahead of the summer have been dealt a huge blow too amid Jarrod Bowen's recent injury.

The club captain was substituted in their home defeat to Liverpool and has suffered a fractured foot.

Bowen is set to miss six to eight weeks, which potentially rules him out until early March.

West Ham next face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.

They then return to Premier League action on January 14 at home to Fulham followed by another London derby against Crystal Palace.