West Ham United will reportedly make Ajax manager Frank de Boer their primary target to replace outgoing boss Sam Allardyce.

The Hammers announced following their final day defeat by Newcastle United that Allardyce would be leaving Upton Park after the decision was taken not to extend his contract.

Rafa Benitez, a reported target for West Ham, looks set to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid and now The Daily Express claim de Boer is the club’s number one target.

De Boer, 45, has been in charge at Ajax since 2010, winning four consecutive Eredivisie titles with the Amsterdam side.

The former Netherlands defender, who was assistant coach to Bert van Marwijk at the 2010 World Cup, is still only in his first senior management role after retirement in 2006.

A former player with Ajax, Barcelona, Galatasaray and Rangers, de Boer started his coaching career in Ajax’s youth set-up in 2007 before stepping up to replace Martin Jol following his resignation.