West Ham fans hoping Amanda Staveley will eventually take control of the club and bring Eddie Howe to the London Stadium have been dealt a bitter blow after journalist Alan Nixon dropped a bombshell claim about developments at Manchester United.

Many Hammers supporters are holding out hope that Amanda Staveley will eventually return to the table with a fresh West Ham takeover bid, potentially paving the way for the appointment of Eddie Howe, with whom she worked so successfully at Newcastle.

But that West Ham dream now looks in serious jeopardy after journalist Alan Nixon claimed Howe is now the favourite to replace former Hammer Michael Carrick at Manchester United and is keen to take the job.

The news comes in the wake of Man United’s embarrassing 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como on Wednesday night, which has seen Carrick face mounting pressure.

Man United threaten West Ham’s Staveley and Howe dream

In an exclusive on his Patreon, Nixon stated Howe has other options.

But the Scottish reporter claims Howe’s availability and willingness to return to the Premier League make him an appealing option for the Red Devils.

“Eddie Howe is the favourite for the Manchester United job – and sources close to him say he is keen,” Nixon claimed.

“Howe is interested in the post and a return to the Premier League as soon as possible according to those with the inside track to him.

“Michael Carrick’s days seem numbered and United may have to act soon – with an experienced and available choice like Howe having a lot of appeal.”

If that proves accurate, it could put a significant obstacle in the way of West Ham supporters’ pipe-dreams of seeing Howe reunite with Staveley as part of a new era in east London.

The connection between Staveley and Howe is well established. The pair worked together at Newcastle, helping transform the club from perennial underachievers into a side capable of competing for major honours and Champions League football.

Since Staveley emerged as a potential West Ham owner, speculation about whether she might eventually bring Howe to the London Stadium was inevitable.

As Hammers News previously explored, the prospect of Staveley taking control and appointing Howe was an appealing scenario for supporters who remain unconvinced by Nuno Espirito Santo’s longer-term suitability.

Staveley West Ham takeover still a possibility but Howe may not be

However, Staveley’s initial bid to purchase the stakes of both Vanessa Gold and David Sullivan was blocked when existing shareholders exercised their pre-emption rights. Sullivan and Daniel Kretinsky subsequently strengthened their positions, with Kretinsky becoming West Ham’s largest shareholder.

Since then Everton has emerged as another possible avenue for her investment group.

But Hammers News reported that there was major relief for West Ham over Staveley after she ruled the Toffees out.

West Ham clearly do not need to make an immediate managerial change. Nuno has guided the Hammers into the Championship promotion picture following a major summer rebuild, and the priority remains securing an immediate return to the Premier League.

Nevertheless, the situation could look very different next summer, depending on whether West Ham achieve promotion and what happens with the club’s ownership.

If Staveley eventually secures a controlling stake, appointing a manager she knows and trusts would inevitably become a talking point. Howe’s availability had made that possibility particularly intriguing.

But if Nixon’s claim is correct and Howe is keen to take the Manchester United job, West Ham’s potential ownership and managerial plans could be overtaken by events elsewhere.