Next West Ham manager: David Sullivan promises club are close to signing manager with ‘proven record of success’

Both Rafa Benitez of Newcastle and former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini have been linked with the job after David Moyes left on Wednesday

Manuel Pellegrini is being strongly linked with the vacant West Ham job (Getty)

West Ham United have reassured supporters that the club are close to appointing an experienced manager to succeed David Moyes and turn the team's fortunes around.

Moyes signed a short-term deal in November and helped West Ham climb out of relegation trouble to secure a 13th-placed finish but the Scot parted ways with the London outfit on Wednesday.

West Ham said that they were "extremely confident" of hiring a proven first team manager within the next seven days.

"I would like to reassure our supporters that we have left no stone unturned in selecting the individual we believe is the right man to take West Ham United forward," co-owner David Sullivan said in a statement on the club's website.

"We have followed a process that is progressing entirely to plan and are now very close to reaching an agreement.

Benitez is also a candidate for West Ham (Getty)

"This is an exciting time for our football club. We are preparing to appoint a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez and former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini are among the favourites for the vacant role, according to British media reports.

Reuters