Amorim or Lopetegui? West Ham U-turn suggested ‘pushing’ Sullivan to make ‘statement’ appointment

According to reports, two West Ham United leaders are ‘pushing’ David Sullivan to agree a ‘statement’ with David Moyes expected to leave.

Moyes has done a fantastic job since returning to West Ham in 2019, but he is likely to leave in the summer when his contract expires.

Under the Scot, the Hammers have become mainstays in Europe and won the Europa Conference League last season.

But a large section of West Ham supporters are fed up with Moyes’ boring style of play and want change before next season.

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West Ham have been linked with several potential replacements, but Ruben Amorim and Julen Lopetegui are seen as the leading candidates to replace Moyes this summer.

Earlier this week, a report of The guard claimed West Ham are ‘close to an agreement’ with Lopetegui.

‘Discussions were held with Sporting Lisbon’s Rúben Amorim last month and some figures within the London Stadium believe the 39-year-old would be the best person to take over from Moyes. However, Amorim’s contract contains a release clause of fifteen million euros and there are doubts as to whether West Ham are willing to pay that.

‘That has ensured that Lopetegui, who has been unemployed since leaving Wolves last summer, is the frontrunner. West Ham have done due diligence on the Spaniard, who is not in the running to join Milan. If negotiations are completed successfully, everything can be settled next week.’

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TalkSPORT now report that ‘members of the West Ham hierarchy are still trying to convince Sullivan to stage an ambitious coup by appointing Amorim’.

‘Sullivan is in advanced talks with former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui as he looks to replace David Moyes as manager after four-and-a-half years back at the London Stadium.

But West Ham legend Mark Noble and sporting director Tim Steidten believe hiring Sporting Lisbon head coach Amorim would send a big statement of intent.

Despite appearing to push back on a move to West Ham and links with Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Liverpool, the 39-year-old coach is believed to remain keen on a move to the Premier League.

‘Amorim’s £10m price tag appears to be a barrier for Sullivan, with Lopetegui seen as a more affordable option as he is free and has not had a job since leaving Wolves in August 2023.’

More: West Ham United | Julen Lopetegui | Reuben Amorim