Former Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui is speaking to West Ham United about the prospect of potentially replacing David Moyes, according to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Spanish tactician had an impressive stint in charge of Wolves, and has also previously done fine work as manager of his country, while he also has experience from a brief spell in charge of Real Madrid.
It’s clear Lopetegui is an impressive and experienced candidate, and it seems West Ham are discussing him as one option, with the 57-year-old said to be keen on the job at the London Stadium.
Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano said: “Julen Lopetegui had been linked with the Milan job, but is speaking to West Ham and he wants the job for sure, so he’s a candidate.
“Meanwhile, the situation with Ruben Amorim is quiet now, his decision will be made at the end of the season and not now so we have to see what he will decide. For sure, West Ham will fire David Moyes, but I’m hearing that Hansi Flick is not close to the job despite recent links.”
Lopetegui looks an exciting appointment for West Ham
Even if Moyes has done a strong job with the Hammers, it perhaps feels like now is the time for the club to make a change and go in a different direction.
While Moyes deserves credit for the job he’s done at West Ham, most notably last season’s Europa Conference League final victory, it has also seemed clear at times this season that things have gone a little stale, and someone like Lopetegui could be just the change needed inside the London Stadium.
Of course, there’s no risk-free appointment, and some WHUFC fans might prefer another candidate, but Lopetegui has seemingly had interest from a number of big clubs in recent times, so he makes sense as a tempting profile for the east London outfit.