West Ham will consider appointing Rafael Benitez if they decide to dismiss Manuel Pellegrini.
Pellegrini's future at West Ham remains uncertain, with the club currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League having gone six games without a win.
Benitez came close to being named West Ham manager in 2015 and he will be a leading candidate to take charge if a vacancy arises, as reported by The Mirror.
Benitez is currently in charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifang, with whom he has won six of his 14 games so far.
The 59-year-old's vast experience of the Premier League - from his spells with Newcastle, Chelsea and Liverpool - appeals greatly to West Ham.
West Ham suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Burnley prior to the international break, but the London side elected to persist with Pellegrini for now.
If results continue to be disappointing then it won't be long until Pellegrini is dismissed.
The Hammers return to action on Saturday with a home game against Tottenham before travelling to face Chelsea the following weekend.