Former Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the vacant manager’s post at West Ham United, according to The Telegraph.

Zola, who was a fan’s favourite at Stamford Bridge during his seven years at the West London club is understood to have held talks with Hammers official’s in Italy. With it thought that a second interview will take place after impressing during the first set of talks.

Favourite for the job, Slaven Bilic (left) is due to hold talks with West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury once Croatia have played their World Cup qualifier against England. However, while sources close to the Croatian coach have said that Bilic would like to manage the club he once played for, a clause in his deal with Croatia prevents him from taking the job at Upton Park until January. This is understood to be unacceptable to West Ham.

Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has been interviewed for the job along with former Scottish International John Collins, while former Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini as well as Michael Laudrup and Morten Olsen are believed to be on the shortlist.

West Ham are hoping to have somebody in charge before their next Premier League fixture against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday.