Source: Team_Talk
Hammers close in on Grant capture
Former Portsmouth boss Avram Grant looks set to be unveiled as West Ham's new manager in 12 days' time.[LNB] It is understood Grant, currently on holiday with his family, has agreed a deal in principle to become the successor to sacked Gianfranco Zola.[LNB]Grant resigned as manager of relegated Pompey on Thursday and subject to a final interview, he is likely to be offered a two-year contract.[LNB]Reacting to speculation that Grant's move to the Hammers was all-but signed and sealed, a club spokesman said: "West Ham United can confirm the club is making good progress in the search for a new manager and the appointment will be made by early June.[LNB]"The club is in the middle of a thorough selection process which could continue over the next 12 days before being finalised.[LNB]"The new manager will then have a month to prepare for the start of pre-season, with all at the club determined to improve on the previous campaign."[LNB]Grant's stock in managerial terms has risen substantially after guiding Portsmouth to the FA Cup final in a season when they narrowly escaped being wound-up and went into administration.[LNB]It is thought that Pompey received an approach for Grant on Thursday but the administrator Andrew Andronikou would not reveal their identity.[LNB]"I will honour the confidentiality," Andronikou said.[LNB]"We are talking about another manager's job," he told ESPN.[LNB]Grant replaced Paul Hart at Fratton Park last November as the club lurched from one financial disaster to another.[LNB]Many of the players were forced to wait for their wages to be paid and the club were docked nine points for going into administration.[LNB]But Grant rallied his team and led them to the final of the FA Cup where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea.[LNB]After resigning his post at Fratton Park, Grant issued a statement saying it "was one of the most difficult decisions" of his football career.[LNB]West Ham's new co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are understood to have made Grant their number one target on a short list rumoured to include Blackburn's Sam Allardyce, Blackpool's Ian Holloway, and Cardiff's Dave Jones.
