The Hammers sacked boss Avram Grant immediately after the 3-2 defeat at Wigan on Sunday, which confirmed their relegation to the npower Championship.

Hughton is current favourite to get the post at his former club, with whom the Stratford-born 52-year-old enjoyed a two-year spell in the early 1990s.

While the former Newcastle boss has remained quiet on the speculation, Grant's departure has seen the likes of former England manager Steve McClaren and Brighton boss Gus Poyet rule themselves out of the running.

While Sullivan did not name the pair, the co-owner has admitted he thought it was odd managers have made the public move to distance themselves from the role.

"We are amused by certain individuals saying they don't want the job when they haven't been considered for it," he told the London Evening Standard.

"We've had approaches by some good candidates but we treat all applications as confidential."

The Hammers have vowed to appoint a new manager by the end of May as they look to bounce back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt.

While Hughton remains favourite, former Celtic and Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is thought to be high on the east Londoners' shortlist, the Northern Irishman having been close to joining the club in January.

West Ham's desire to move for a British manager would seem to rule out former Chelsea midfielder Roberto di Matteo and Hammers legend Paolo di Canio.

The latter achieved cult status during a four-year spell with the Irons from 1999 to 2003 and has a lounge named after him at Upton Park.

Sullivan has admitted he would not let his heart rule his head by appointing Di Canio, although the Italian has promised to "give everything" if he ended up at the east Londoners.

"I am very saddened by West Ham's relegation," he said. "This team has always been in my heart.

"They have unique supporters. I would give everything for West Ham. I even have a Hammers tattoo."