Steve Clarke heightened speculation Friday that he will become assistant to West Ham's new manager Gianfranco Zola by tendering his resignation as Chelsea assistant coach.
Clarke has been at Chelsea for over 20 years as a player and coach, and was one of the few members of Avram Grant's backroom staff to survive the cull when the Israeli was axed at the end of last season.
A Chelsea spokesman said: "Chelsea can confirm that West Ham have made an approach with regards to talking to Steve Clarke. They have not been given permission to talk to him.
"Steve Clarke has tendered his resignation as assistant first team coach. We have not accepted his resignation. Talks are continuing."
West Ham, meanwhile, have been hit by the news that their shirt sponsor, XL, Britain's third largest holiday company, has gone into administration.
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