Slaven Bilic will be first on West Ham’s managerial shortlist if head coach Sam Allardyce leaves at the end of the season according to former Hammers star Martin Allen.

Bilic spent 18 months at the West Ham as a player and enjoyed managerial stints in charge of Croatia and Spartak Moscow before joining Beşiktaş.

“Slaven Bilic has been a world class footballer and was a tremendous servant to West Ham United,” he told Hawksbee and Jacobs. “He’s a very intelligent man, in business and in football. He would be one you would look at,” Allen told TalkSport.

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Allardyce’s contract runs out at the end of the season and the experienced coach is expected to part ways with the club.

“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Allardyce turns down another contract,” he added.

“He’s done what he’s needed to do at West Ham.

“He’s got them promoted from the Championship and established them in the Premier League.

“He can move on. People should be warty what they wish for though because he has done a fantastic job.”

Allardyce has come under fire this season for his sides perceived negative playing style but the Hammers have exceeded many pundits pre-season expectations.

Beşiktaş are currently in the Süper Lig title race and Bilic has stated that he does want to stay at the club next season and see out the rest of his contract.

The Black Eagles are currently five points behind league leaders Galatasaray but have a game in hand and will close the gap to two points with a win against Akhisar on Tuesday.