Manzano linked with West Ham job

Real Mallorca coach Gregorio Manzano has been linked with a surprise move to Premiership side West Ham United following Gianfranco Zola’s exit, according to the Daily Mirror. Zola was today sacked after a disappointing season coupled with a feud with West Ham’s owners.

Manzano, 54, has guided the Spanish minnows to fifth place in La Liga with Champions League qualification still possible despite financial difficulties. The Spaniard is well respected on the continent and received Manager of the Year in 2008 and could possibly repeat that feat this year.

Manzano replaces newly crowned Eredivisie champion Steve McClaren who joined Wolfsburg of Germany yesterday.

It has been alleged that Manzano has already signed a contract with Sevilla – a fact which Sevilla deny. But Mallorca fans are being made uneasy by the fact that Manzano refuses to discuss a new contract until the end of the season.