'Would be ideal': Jeff Stelling backs manager with 83 career wins to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham

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West Ham could soon be on the lookout for a new manager – despite hiring Julen Lopetegui as recently as May.

The Spaniard has overseen just three wins from ten Premier League outings so far this season to leave the Hammers 14th in the table – which is presumably not where those in the boardroom envisaged West Ham would be after roughly £150m was spent on summer signings.

TBR Football understand David Sullivan is deeply concerned by what he has seen from the 58-year-old since he replaced David Moyes in the dugout, but for now, his job is safe, although there is an appreciation that results must improve.

Sources have also informed TBR Football that Sergio Conceicao is an option for West Ham if Julen Lopetegui does depart – although Jeff Stelling has now endorsed Frank Lampard for a return to east London.

Jeff Stelling says West Ham job would be “ideal” for Frank Lampard

The 69-year-old told talkSPORT: “I didn't mention Moyes at all. I'm going to mention someone who might divide opinions. Is it time, if Lopetegui goes, for West Ham to bring Frank Lampard home? Just a thought.

“He is available. He's been mentioned in connection with the Roma job, but West Ham would be ideal for him. I know there's a man in situ at the moment, but it is just a speculative suggestion at the moment.”

Lampard has overseen 83 wins from 196 games since stepping into football management, holding the reins at Derby, Chelsea and Everton.

The 46-year-old was most recently in charge of the Toffees, where he was sacked in January 2023 with Everton 19th in the Premier League.

West Ham fans did not take Stelling’s suggestion well, phoning into talkSPORT to voice their disapproval on a number of occasions after the man from Hartlepool made his bold comment.

David Sullivan must go nowhere near Frank Lampard

If West Ham hire Lampard, they may as well have kept Moyes.

With all due respect, the man who made 179 appearances for West Ham in his playing days has failed everywhere he’s been in management, despite building a legacy for himself as one of the best footballers to play the game.

Burnley offered Lampard the chance to replace Vincent Kompany – while he was also mentioned for the Sunderland vacancy.

We feel the Londoner needs to step back into the Championship – where he did a fine job at Derby until Chelsea disturbed his progression in management – before taking the reins at another Premier League club.