West Ham’s search for a new manager continues after Unai Emery opted to snub a move to east London and stay with Sevilla.

The Hammers have been on the lookout for a new boss after Sam Allardyce parted company with the club at the end of the season and it appeared as though Emery was top of their list.

But the 43-year-old has decided to stay at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan after signing a deal until the summer of 2017.

Emery has impressed during his two seasons in charge of the Rojiblancos, winning back-to-back Europa League titles, and he is generally thought of as one of the best young coaches in Europe at present.

A statement on Sevilla’s website on Friday evening revealed: “The coach has committed his future to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, where he has achieved his greatest successes, winning the Europa League in both 2014 and 2015.”

The news will be a blow to West Ham, who would love a top-name coach to take them into their new home at the Olympic Stadium in just over 12 months’ time.

Former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic might now be the front runner as he is out of work after ending his time in Turkey with Besiktas.

The 46-year-old has gained plenty of experience as a manager around Europe, with six years in charge of Croatia, while he has also managed Hajduk Split and Lokomotiv Moscow.

Stability will be key after Big Sam’s exit, with West Ham on offer at 8.00 to be relegated to the Championship next term, and the board will want a new man in charge sooner rather than later.