ALAN CURBISHLEY quit as West Ham manager claiming he was knifed over transfer dealings at Upton Park.

Curbs walked away just three league games into the new season, insisting he could no longer stomach players being sold behind his back.

Former fans idol Paolo Di Canio emerged as a shock contender for the vacancy last night, while favourites for the job - Slaven Bilic and Harry Redknapp - both ruled themselves out of the running.

Curbs insists he was overruled when defenders Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney were sold to Sunderland this summer against his wishes.

IN THE FRAME ...
Paolo Di Canio

He blasted: The selection of players is critical to a manager and I had an agreement with West Ham that I alone would determine the composition of the Upton Park squad.

But the club continued to make significant player decisions without involving me. In the end, such a breach of trust and confidence meant that I had no option but to leave.

Ferdinand had made it categorically clear to me that he wanted to stay.

Then I said no other players would be leaving but McCartney was sold on Monday.

Former terrace hero Di Canio has made it crystal clear he wants to return as the new boss.

Ex-striker Di Canio has already done his groundwork and has passed the coaching courses demanded of top-flight managers.

The Italian, 40, said: I took the coaching badges in the summer and I would like to have a job.

I am waiting for a job in England because my dream is to come back and I think there are a lot of good things I can bring.

My dream team is West Ham. I keep the club in my heart. One day I hope to come back to London and sit on the bench at West Ham.

He has already helped the Hammers this term he was instrumental in persuading 32-year-old Torino strike star David Di Michele to join on loan for the season.

Former Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini is another Italian who has been talked about as a possibility to replace Curbishley in the hot-seat.

But the bookies favourite is former Hammer Bilic even though there are severe doubts he would break his deal as Croatia national chief.

Bilic is known to honour contracts and is relishing the thought of beating England again in Wednesdays World Cup Group Six showdown having already dumped Steve McClarens side out of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Hammers reserve team coach Kevin Keen has been made caretaker boss.