WEST Ham legend Paolo Di Canio could be set to make a sensational return to the club as manager after being installed as one of the favourites to replace Alan Curbishley according to Datasport.

Former Charlton chief Curbishley quit his post at Upton Park today, and while the bookmakers have installed Croatia national team boss Slaven Bilic as the early favourite, the former Hammers defender has previously stated he wants to remain in charge of his country until after the 2010 World Cup.

And that could well pave the way for the likes of Di Canio, who was hero worshipped during his four year spell with the Irons from 1999.

And the fiery and somewhat controversial Italian would certainly welcome the move, having taken his coaching badges in March.

In fact the 40-year-old former Lazio star even admitted on Setanta Sports News this morning, shortly before Curbishley’s departure had been announced, that he would love to return to Upton Park as the club's manager.

He said: “One day I would love to be manager of West Ham.

“One day it is my dream and I hope to come back to London and sit on the bench at West Ham.”