Slaven Bilic and sacked Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini are the early contenders to replace Alan Curbishley at West Ham United.

The bookies' favourite is former Hammer Bilic - even though there are severe doubts he would break his deal as Croatia national chief.

Bilic is known to honour contracts and is relishing the thought of beating England again in Wednesday's World Cup Group Six showdown - having already dumped Steve McClaren's side out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Hammers reserve team coach Kevin Keen has been made caretaker boss.