Hebei China Fortune have confirmed that reported West Ham United target Manuel Pellegrini has left the Chinese Super League club.
The 64-year-old, who previously managed Manchester City and Real Madrid, is thought to be the frontrunner to succeed David Moyes at the London Stadium.
A statement by West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan earlier this week claimed that "a manager who has a proven record of success at the highest level of the game" was to be appointed by the club.
On Saturday, Hebei wrote on their Weibo account: "We have reached an agreement with Manuel Pellegrini that he will no longer serve as team manager.
"Here, the club would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr Pellegrini for his contributions and we wish him well in his future work life."
West Ham finished 13th in the Premier League table this season, nine points clear of the dropzone.
