Zola tops Hammers wish list

8:36am Monday 8th September 2008

Michael Laudrup will be interviewed by West Ham officials on Monday but Gianfranco Zola has moved into pole position in the race to be the club's next manager.

Danish legend Laudrup resigned as manager of Spanish club Getafe at the end of last season despite impressing during his year in charge, and is looking for a new challenge.

However, former Chelsea favourite Zola had a second interview for the job in Rome on Sunday and the 42-year-old is set to be recommended to the Hammers board on Monday.

Zola hugely impressed West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury and also has the support of club technical director Gianluca Nani, his fellow Italian.

According to club insiders, Zola's enthusiasm, his experience of the Premier League, his commitment to entertaining football and his coaching experience with the Italy Under-21 side have pushed him to the top of the list.

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni also impressed but Slaven Bilic's chances look to have receded dramatically after question marks over when the Croatia coach would be available led to some doubts about his commitment.

Duxbury and Nani will meet with Laudrup, 44, who had spells as Denmark's assistant manager and as boss of Brondby before joining Getafe in 2007.

While he remains a contender, the same cannot be said for former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier and the ex-Scotland midfielder John Collins, plus former Ajax boss Martin Olsen - who was Denmark coach when Laudrup had his spell as assistant.

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