Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed West Ham United are not currently in contact with Rafa Benitez over the possibility of him becoming the club's next manager.

What’s the word?

With the Hammers in poor form and battling down towards the very bottom of the Premier League, the future of David Moyes seems to be under serious threat.

As a result, plenty of rumours are starting to emerge linking possible candidates to take over if the current boss is fired. For instance, The Telegraph report that Benitez has been 'debated' as an option to come un until the end of the season.

In a new update on The West Ham Way Patreon, however, Ex has revealed that his source denies any validity to these most recent suggestions.

He explained: “I have been told that the Rafa Benitez stories are 'News to me' by one source and that there is 'nothing in it!'

"I have also spoke to a couple of playing staff who are completely unaware of the story too.

"David Moyes took training as normal today and the team prepared for Everton. The only person of note missing from training today was said to be Craig Dawson again as he looks set to leave the club.

"Whilst I have said on the podcast today, I expect Rafa Benitez to be one of the top targets should Moyes leaves, I still expect Moyes to be in position for Everton."

Right man for the job? 

As made clear by Ex, Moyes looks set to be given at least one more game in charge. However, if they fail to get three points against Everton on Saturday, that would stretch the club's winless streak in the league to eight matches.

Incidentally, Benitez's last job was with the Toffees but that didn't go too well. Indeed, he lasted just 22 matches, averaging just 1.14 points per game – the worst he's ever recorded in England.

Of course, that experience of Premier League football – built up in spells with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool as well – might make him an appealing option to come in right away if Moyes does go, but there's no guarantee he would steady the ship.

After all, the current West Ham boss is averaging a much healthier 1.52 points per game spread across 149 games in charge, despite the recent poor form.