'Jose Mourinho will want the West Ham job' - Premier League legend backed for stunning return in east London as Hammers consider Graham Potter's future

Former Hammers scout Mick Brown insists Mourinho still “loves” life in the capital and already owns a house there. For West Ham’s restless hierarchy, that detail only makes him more attractive.

Potter was brought in with the hope of steadying the ship and building a new identity, but seven months in, his reign is teetering. Large swathes of the Hammers’ fanbase have turned against him, doubting his ability to deliver results or inspire a squad that has already suffered humiliating defeats. A dreadful start to the season has made matters worse: a 3-0 capitulation to Sunderland followed by a crushing 5-1 hammering at home to Chelsea. Though a commanding 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest briefly bought him breathing space, insiders still believe Potter could be next in line for the sack if results falter again.

According to Football Insider, the self-styled “Special One” has been carefully positioning himself for a return to England for quite some time. He has been tentatively linked with Newcastle, Rangers, and Leeds, while also being tipped as a candidate at Nottingham Forest before Ange Postecoglou swooped in.

“Jose Mourinho will want the West Ham job,” Brown said.

“He wants to return to London, I know he’s still got a house there and he loves living in the city, so if a job comes up that will allow him to move back, of course he’ll be interested. Looking at the London clubs, he doesn’t exactly have a million options. Chelsea, no, Tottenham, no, Arsenal, no. West Ham, yeah, possibly. Fulham and Palace maybe. I think West Ham are the standout club on that list and it’s something that might come up.

“I don’t believe Potter will be sacked right now, but they’ve got to be prepared and have possible candidates lined up to replace him if they do make that decision. I have to say, that 3-0 win against Forest was something I didn’t see coming, so that will have bought him a bit more time. But like I say, West Ham will be aware that at some stage, they might have to look for a new manager if things go back to the way they started the season. There will be a few candidates for that job, I’m sure, and Mourinho will want to be among them.”

Behind the scenes, West Ham chiefs have already started discreetly sounding out alternatives to Potter. Mourinho’s trophy-laden CV, including Premier League glory with Chelsea and European success at Manchester United, makes him an obvious candidate. However, the Hammers are not short of options. Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has also been mentioned as a potential successor. The former Chelsea and England midfielder remains a respected figure in West Ham circles thanks to his family ties to the club. 

Potter has earned a lifeline after the Forest victory, but his credentials will once again face scrutiny if Tottenham beat them at the London Stadium on Saturday.