David Moyes in the frame to replace Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham on short-term contract

Club were ready to bring Moyes in for a second spell before victory against Southampton gave Pellegrini some respite

David Moyes is currently one of the leading candidates to replace Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The Independent understands the club, who’ve been scouring potential replacements for a number of weeks, were ready to sack Pellegrini and make a formal approach for Moyes had they suffered defeat against Southampton.

Sebastian Haller’s winner ended a miserable run of form for the club, with Pellegrini now expected to remain in charge over Christmas.

Senior figures at West Ham still hope Pellegrini can resurrect the team’s form, however, unless there is a dramatic uplift, the Chilean’s departure is seen as inevitable with the club just four points clear of the relegation zone.

Moyes previously stepped in on a short-term contract during the 2017/18 season when he replaced Slaven Bilic and guided the club to safety with two games to spare before Pellegrini was appointed on a three-year contract.

Moyes is also being considered for the Everton job, however, Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be their first-choice target, while caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson will lead the side in their League Cup tie against Leicester on Wednesday.

The club expects to be busy in January with a first-choice defensive midfielder being prioritised.