AVRAM GRANT The Portsmouth boss is the overwhelming early favourite with bookmakers having led relegated Pompey to Saturday's FA Cup final despite their financial plight. With off-field headaches threatening to worsen next season, the Israeli boss is unlikely to want to stick around for a struggle in the Coca-Cola Championship.

SLAVEN BILIC A cult figure at Upton Park following his spell as a defender in the 1990s, Bilic has long been expected to manage in the Premier League. The Croatia boss plotted England's downfall in the fateful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, but failure to reach this summer's World Cup dented his reputation somewhat. Vowed to remain with Croatia but surely now more attainable than ever.

MARK HUGHES Still highly thought of in the game after his somewhat harsh treatment at the hands of Manchester City earlier this season, former Wales and Blackburn boss Hughes is available and proven in the Premier League. Has no West Ham connection, however, and like Gianfranco Zola, is a popular figure among Chelsea fans after his time at Stamford Bridge.

STEVE CLARKE Taken to West Ham as assistant boss at great expense following Zola's appointment, Clarke is highly regarded in the game but unproven as a manager in his own right. With the Hammers hierarchy seemingly keen for a fresh start, he must be regarded as an outsider.

GREGORIO MANZANO Barely mentioned by bookmakers, the Mallorca boss has been linked in the media having worked miracles with the modest island club in La Liga this season. Having spent much of the season up in fourth place - and still in the fight for a Champions League spot with one game to go - Manzano's stock is currently higher than at any point in his 27-year coaching career.

OTHER NAMES IN THE FRAME Martin Jol, Alan Curbishley, Alan Pardew, Iain Dowie, Stuart Pearce, Glenn Hoddle, Dave Jones, Alex McLeish, Paul Lambert.