Manager who turned down Leicester City now leading the race to join West Ham 

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Leicester City are currently fighting a battle against relegation, with some of their issues caused by the appointment of Steve Cooper in the summer.

Once Enzo Maresca jumped ship in the summer after leading Leicester to the Championship title, Steve Cooper was appointed manager.

This turned out to be an unpopular decision from the fan base, as supporters disliked Cooper’s negative tactics and questionable team selections.

In the end, Leicester sacked Cooper towards the end of November and replaced the Welshman with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Since then, there have been clear improvements in the performances however, their results have suffered, with just one win in seven games under the Dutchman.

Graham Potter turned down the Leicester City job

When Leicester were in the market for a new manager in the summer, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter was on the Foxes’ radar.

Multiple reports suggested that the Englishman was on the verge of returning to management, having been out of work since his sacking at Stamford Bridge in April 2023.

Potter was eyed as manager after Maresca left the club but didn’t see the job as an attractive proposition and therefore turned Leicester down.

It wasn’t the only time that the 49-year-old snubbed the Premier League strugglers, as Potter rejected Leicester for a third time before hiring van Nistelrooy.

Now, after being out of management for almost two years, he’s on the verge of taking over at a Premier League rival.

• READ MORE: Graham Potter issues honest response when asked if he was contacted for Leicester job before Ruud van Nistelrooy

Graham Potter leading the race to become West Ham manager

Julen Lopetegui could be the next manager sacked from his post in England’s top flight, and the Spaniard could have no complaints.

The Hammers opened the chequebook in the summer, totalling over £120 million in spending, but find themselves 14th in the Premier League with just six wins from 20 matches.

As a result, Lopetegui is under increasing pressure to keep his job and as stated by many reports, Potter is the leading candidate to replace him.

West Ham have already held talks with the Englishman in case Lopetegui departs however, there appears to be no way back for the ex-Wolves and Real Madrid boss.

So, the manager who snubbed Leicester on three occasions could come up against them very soon if he takes over at the London Stadium.