Former Portsmouth boss Avram Grant looks set to be unveiled as West Ham's new manager in 12 days' time.
It is understood Grant, currently on holiday with his family, has agreed a deal in principle to become the successor to sacked Gianfranco Zola.
Grant resigned as manager of relegated Pompey on Thursday and subject to a final interview, he is likely to be offered a two-year contract.
Reacting to speculation that Grant's move to the Hammers was all-but signed and sealed, a club spokesman said: "West Ham United can confirm the club is making good progress in the search for a new manager and the appointment will be made by early June.
"The club is in the middle of a thorough selection process which could continue over the next 12 days before being finalised.
"The new manager will then have a month to prepare for the start of pre-season, with all at the club determined to improve on the previous campaign."
Grant's stock in managerial terms has risen substantially after guiding Portsmouth to the FA Cup final in a season when they narrowly escaped being wound-up and went into administration.
It is thought that Pompey received an approach for Grant on Thursday but the administrator Andrew Andronikou would not reveal their identity.
"I will honour the confidentiality," Andronikou said. "We are talking about another manager's job," he told ESPN.
Grant replaced Paul Hart at Fratton Park last November as the club lurched from one financial disaster to another.
Many of the players were forced to wait for their wages to be paid and the club were docked nine points for going into administration.
But Grant rallied his team and led them to the final of the FA Cup where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. After resigning his post at Fratton Park, Grant issued a statement saying it "was one of the most difficult decisions" of his football career.
West Ham's new co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan are understood to have made Grant their number one target on a short list rumoured to include Blackburn's Sam Allardyce, Blackpool's Ian Holloway, and Cardiff's Dave Jones.
