West Ham United's 'soundings out' over a potential new manager to replace recently under-fire boss David Moyes have not gone as well as expected, journalist Dean Jones has told GIVEMESPORT.
The Hammers have endured a poor Premier League campaign so far and only goal difference was keeping them off the bottom of the table prior to the victory against fellow strugglers Everton on Saturday.
West Ham manager news - David Moyes
Lately, The Guardian have reported that West Ham were considering relieving Moyes of his duties at the London Stadium, with a defeat against Everton on Saturday likely sealing his fate.
Interestingly, their win has now heaped the pressure on Toffees manager Frank Lampard who could also be on the chopping block himself now.
While Moyes may have got a reprieve, if he is to be sacked anytime soon he could immediately become one of the favourites to take over at Everton due to holding a positive, long-standing relationship with the club he managed between 2002 and 2013.
The Telegraph has also detailed that West Ham chiefs are already hard at work discussing potential replacements, with Rafael Benitez and Nuno Espirito Santo being two names in the frame if Moyes is to depart.
What has Jones said about David Moyes?
The journalist has shed light on the situation, saying that West Ham have found it challenging so far to sound out potential replacements despite recent achievements at the club, such as the run to the Europa League semi-final last season.
Jones told GMS: "I thought, given their European status last season, there might be a line of people ready to throw themselves into the hat. So far, from the soundings out they've been doing, from what I understand, that hasn't really been the case."
Should West Ham stick or twist with David Moyes?
In the cold light of day, it is impossible to see a scenario where Moyes stays on if West Ham's form dips again after the win against Everton this weekend. The Hammers still find themselves in a difficult situation, where tough decisions would need to be made to avoid an unthinkable relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
Despite his immediate future being under threat, it is important to remember how good a job Moyes has done at the club over the last few years.
Appointed in 2019 for a second spell at the London Stadium, the 59-year-old has achieved some notable feats at the club, securing back-to-back qualifications for European football in 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Of course, the journey to the Europa League semi-final will live long in the memory. On top of that, the Hammers are still in the Europa Conference League this term, where they will hope to go deep into the knockout rounds.
For now, battling for their Premier League safety will take precedence. Moyes' job doesn't get any easier with their next three top-flight fixtures coming against Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham.