"West Ham United confirm that they have terminated the contract of Gianfranco Zola," a club statement read.

"The Board of Directors would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him well for the future.

"The Club will now be focusing its efforts on seeking a replacement. The Club will be making no further comment on this matter."

Zola, who signed Egypt forward Mido in January, led West Ham to their lowest ever points total in the Premier League, finishing 17th on 35 points.

A number of candidates have been reportedly mentioned as possible replacements for the Italian, most notably Mark Hughes, Avram Grant and Slaven Bilic.