Sunday 24 May 2015 20:49, UK
Slaven Bilic is being backed to replace Sam Allardyce as West Ham manager, with Sky Bet reporting a surge of bets on the outgoing Besiktas boss taking the reins at Upton Park.
The Hammers confirmed that Allardyce’s contract, which expires this summer, will not be extended shortly after Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, the club's third successive loss.
Speculation that the parties were to go their separate ways was only increased when the 60-year-old revealed he would leave it to his agent to attend talks planned for Monday as he heads off on a family holiday.
Sky Bet have reported a run of bets on Bilic to be his replacement, consequently cutting the Croat’s odds from 5/1 to odds-on.
Bilic spent a solitary campaign as a player at Upton Park between 1996/97 and has held various managerial positions since retiring in 2001, including the Croatia national post.
Besiktas have confirmed that he will leave his current position following the conclusion of the current campaign, which comes to an end next weekend with the Super Lig title beyond their grasp.
Sevilla manager Unai Emery is the 5/2 second favourote followed by David Moyes (7/2) and Roberto Di Matteo (8/1) according to Sky Bet's next West Ham manager odds.
Sky Bet’s Chris Spicer said: “Both the situations of Allardyce and Bilic make it appear a logical move, which seems to have prompted the backing with a lack of concrete links.
“Given the market was only opened recently, we’re expecting plenty of movement as various candidates are linked, but for now at least it is Bilic who is attracting all of the backing.”
