Former West Ham United player Slaven Bilic, who is the odds-on favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce as the club's next manager, has announced he is leaving current employers Besiktas.

The 48-year-old spent just over a year with the Hammers between 1996 and 1997 and is the 1/2 favourite with most bookmakers to replace Allardyce at Upton Park after his departure was announced on Sunday.

A former defender with the Hammers, Bilic has confirmed he will leave Turkish side Besiktas after failing to win the Super Lig and missing out on qualification for next season's Champions League.

"I won't be Besiktas's manager next season," said Bilic. "I'm proud of what I've done here."

He added: "As I said before, I am the first one who is going to take responsibility for not winning the league for two years. I have already made my decision."

Bilic made 55 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions after joining in February 1996 for £1.3 million - at the time a club record. Just 15 months later he departed for Everton in a £4.5 million switch but had already assured his status as a favourite with Hammers fans.

He has previously managed Croatia, Lokomotiv Moscow and Hajduk Split