Arsenal and Newcastle United to get major say in West Ham manager search as three candidates 'identified'

Arsenal and Newcastle United will fancy their chances of getting the better of an out-of-sorts West Ham side this month and, should they do so, it could spell the end of the Julen Lopetegui era in London.

It's no secret that the Spaniard is under huge pressure at the London Stadium with it being suggested before the international break that a defeat to Everton would have brought about his sacking. An unconvincing 0-0 draw with the Toffees spared him from that fate.

The Guardian today reports that Lopetegui will now be given the two upcoming tricky tests against the Magpies and the Gunners to save his job, having replaced David Moyes this summer. The Hammers travel to St James' Park on Monday before hosting Mikel Arteta's men next weekend.

The outlet adds that the club 'hopes' Lopetegui will prove he deserves to stay in the role, having spent £132 million on new players this summer. It adds that there is a chance that a 'heavy defeat' to Newcastle United could even force David Sullivan's hand earlier.

West Ham draw up shortlist of managers to replace Julen Lopetegui

It is believed that West Ham have spent the international break sounding out options as potential replacements should Lopetegui be fired from his post. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic, ex Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand, former Benfica coach Roger Schmidt and Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness are named on a shortlist.

If Lopetegui must be replaced, West Ham could look to either make a short-term or a long-term appointment in the role to help turn the tides this season. The side has managed just three wins from their opening 11 Premier League outings.

Any decision to give the former Wolves manager the boot would come against the advice of Moyes. The ex Everton and Manchester United man sent a message of support to Lopetegui earlier this month, appearing to point the finger at the players rather than the coach.

David Moyes sends sacking warning

He told the BBC's Football Daily podcast: "I had a few defeats where we lost heavily at different times, so it happens for all managers. I think the new manager coming in needs time and to be given that opportunity to set things the way he wants them to happen. They look as if they’re a bit more open than they’ve been before and more liable possibly to concede. But they’re desperately trying to score more goals as well.

"This time last year, I think we’d played about five or six more games than what they have just now, because we had the European competition to compete with as well. So the players there should be much fresher, bigger energy, showing that.

"But I just think that the manager needs to be given an opportunity, a bit of time to settle things down. Sometimes players need to perform as well, they need to step up and show what they’re about. I’m sure a few of them can play better and show the manager exactly what they can do."