West Ham are set for a huge test at the end of the campaign, as the Hammers eye major changes to their underperforming side.
One of the biggest alterations could come in the management, as under-fire boss Slaven Bilic continues to face an uncertain future and is rapidly approaching the final 12 months of his contract.
The Hammers have been linked to a number of potential replacements and a shock name has now emerged, with FootballItalia citing reports from Corriere Dello Sport that indicate West Ham are eyeing Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi.
Inzaghi has impressed at Lazio after taking charge of the Italian side last summer, leading the Rome-based side to fourth place in the Serie A standings and sealing a spot in the Coppa Italia final.
Should Lazio finish higher than fifth or win the Coppa Italia, Inzaghi would earn an automatic extension in his deal that would see it run to 2019.
That would certainly make West Ham’s chances of landing Inzaghi look slim but the Hammers are ready to offer the Italian a five-year deal.
The long-term security and project at West Ham could prove to be tempting, especially as Lazio face a major test to remain competitive in Italian football.
Local rivals Roma are always a threat, whilst they’re still some way short of challenging the likes of Juventus and Napoli. On top of that, both Inter and AC Milan now have money behind them and are eyeing a return to the top.