The Hammers are looking to bring in a director of football in order to streamline their recruitment process.
Former West Ham captain Mark Noble was appointed as the sporting director in January but the club realise he needs help and an experienced partner.
David Moyes was handed control over transfers last summer but the Hammers now want to bring in someone to oversee their recruitment.
And Orta is one of the candidates the east London club have spoken to over the role of their director of football.
The Spaniard was sacked by Leeds earlier this month after coming in for criticism for the quality of their recruitment and managerial appointments.
Orta is keen to work in the Premier League again but at the moment he is not the favourite to land the West Ham job.
The Hammers are not likely to go ahead with the appointment of the former Leeds official and are looking at other candidates.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, Monaco’s Paul Mitchell, Brentford’s Lee Dykes and Atalanta’s Lee Congerton are on their radar.
