West Ham considering Rafael Benitez approach?

West Ham United have reportedly identified Rafael Benitez as a potential replacement for manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Despite a promising start to the season, West Ham find themselves in 16th position in the Premier League standings, while they were also dumped out of the EFL Cup by Oxford United.

Their recent form has resulted in uncertainty over the future of Pellegrini, who has been provided with the transfer funds to turn the Hammers into a top-six club.

According to The Mirror, the hierarchy at the East London outfit may approach Benitez if West Ham remain near the relegation zone.

Despite leaving Newcastle United for Dalian Yifang this summer, the report claims that Benitez would be interested in a quick return to England.

However, the Spaniard still has two years remaining on his contract with the Chinese Super League outfit.