According to reports in the Daily Express, West Ham United have made Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann their top target as a potential replacement for the under-fire Slaven Bilic.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Daily Express says that the search for the Croatian's successor has intensified following the demoralising 3-0 defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion at the London Stadium on Friday night, with Nagelsmann their preferred option.

The Daily Express says that while the Irons have made informal contact with the Bundesliga outfit over the promising 30-year-old boss, they are yet to make an official approach for the German coach.

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The report adds that while Bilic will be in charge for the EFL Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley and the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, he could go after the latter if his team are beaten by the bottom-of-the-table club.

Why do West Ham want Nagelsmann?

They are targeting him because he has quickly established himself as one of the best young coaches in the Bundesliga, as well as in European football in general/

The 30-year-old took the reins of the German outfit two years ago and after guiding them to safety in his first season in charge, he led them to a fourth-place finish and qualification for the qualifying stages of the Champions League.

While they had to settle for a spot in the Europa League in the end, Hoffenheim are once again in fourth position in the Bundesliga having only lost one of their nine league games this term.

Would he be a good appointment?

His age and lack of experience may be a concern, but the 30-year-old has already proven his qualities as a coach and he looks to have a really promising future in the game.

Would he want the West Ham job?

It's difficult to say.

If Nagelsmann wants to manage in the Premier League and feels as though there is more potential to grow with West Ham then there is with Hoffenheim then it could happen.

However, the Bayern Munich job may well be available in the summer and the 30-year-old will be one of the frontrunners for the role after what he has achieved in such a short space of time with the Bavarian giants' Bundesliga rivals.