According to reports coming out of Italy, West Ham United have advanced in talks for former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui to replace David Moyes next season.
The Hammers have had a tumultuous week of performances as they crashed out of the Europa League against Bayer Leverkusen and followed up that disappointment with a shocking 5-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at home on Sunday afternoon.
Despite drastic improvements to the league form this season, David Moyes has had question marks over his future in East London throughout the campaign, as many supporters feel that a change is due and a more desirable style of football is wanted.
However, there has been no confirmation from the West Ham hierarchy as to where the Scottish manager’s future lies beyond the current season, though the last two results on home turf will likely contribute to any considerations to part ways with the former Manchester United boss in the summer.
Although there has been no final decision on Moyes’ future with the Hammers, that has not stopped the rumour mill from churning and now an ex-Premier League manager has been touted to replace him ahead of next season.
According to Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato Web (via Sport Witness), former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui could be the man to replace Moyes when the season ends and has reportedly been advancing in talks with the London club over the weekend.
As per the report, Lopetegui is in high demand, as AC Milan are also keen to snap up his services; however, there has been an acceleration in communication and negotiations in recent days for the Spaniard to return to the English top flight.
Would Lopetegui be a good fit for West Ham?
With Moyes’ future at West Ham becoming increasingly unlikely to continue, it will be really important for the club to make a quick appointment to ensure stability and a good amount of time to invest correctly for the new manager.
Lopetegui offers a number of attractive attributes that other contenders for the job may struggle to grasp, with the most important being his experience of managing in the Premier League, something many have tried, failed and been unable to succeed in.
The Spanish manager also has an extremely clear philosophy and executes a strict style of play, something that has been one of the biggest worries under Moyes, as his football has, at times, been unsustainable and resulted in the side conceding humiliating defeats.
Tutto Mercato Web also revealed that a three-year contract has been offered to Lopetegui, guaranteeing him not only job security in the top flight, but also an ample timeframe to deliver on what the Irons expect to see when challenging for Europe and climbing the Premier League.
With that being said, it looks like the ball is now in Lopetegui’s court if the report is accurate, and it will be interesting to see if either Moyes or the club will announce a parting of ways in the coming days and weeks remaining of the season.
