Club news: Grant tipped for West Ham

West Ham are expected to appoint Avram Grant as their new manager tomorrow after concluding their search for Gianfranco Zola's successor. The club released a statement this afternoon revealing they will make a formal announcement over the identity of their new boss within the next 24 hours. Co-chairman David Gold has indicated that Grant, who left Portsmouth nearly two weeks ago, is on the brink of taking over at Upton Park. "After an hour, we knew we could work with this manager. We are very optimistic," Gold told BBC Sport. "I think it's time for the football club to get some stability with people that have been there, done that and got the T-shirt. "The bottom line is the relationship between the manager and the chairman is critical. "In our case it's two chairmen so it's even more difficult as you need to have a relationship between three people." Zola steered West Ham to safety with 35 points, enough to keep them one place above the relegation zone, but was sacked soon after.

Stoke City have refused to comment on speculation linking Liam Lawrence with a move to Celtic. The Hoops have reportedly tabled a bid of £1.5million (Dh7.7m) for the Republic of Ireland winger as interim boss Neil Lennon attempts to strengthen ahead of the new campaign. However, reports suggest City want around £2million for the 28-year-old, who has also been linked with Barclays Premier League rivals Wolves. * PA