West Ham United co-chairman David Gold says the Hammers are confident of luring a ‘big name’ to the club to replace Sam Allardyce.

West Ham, who are 8.00 to be relegated next season, announced after the final game of the 2014-15 campaign at Newcastle that Allardyce would be ending his four-year stint in charge of the club and the search is now on for his successor.

Allardyce did a fine job in taking West Ham back into the Premier League and keeping them there, but now the Upton Park side want a big name to take them on to the next level.

Names such as Rafael Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti have been mentioned, and although they seem unrealistic at this stage, Gold is in no doubt that some of the world’s top managers will be interested.

West Ham have qualified for the Europa League next season via the Fair Play League, but Gold says an even bigger attraction will be the fact they will soon be playing their football in the Olympic Stadium.

He said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. When you see the Olympic Stadium, and I see it once a month or so, it’s just an amazing, iconic stadium.

“This will not only encourage managers to come and manage West Ham in such a venue, but it will also attract players. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for West Ham United to challenge at the very top.

“West Ham is one of the great clubs in the Premier League with an amazing tradition. If you add the Olympic Stadium then it’s an amazing package for any manager anywhere in the world.

“Everybody is on our radar. We are looking for the best and only time will tell.”