WEST HAM are set to miss out on first choice manager Julen Lopetegui, with the ex-Wolves boss close to joining AC Milan.
Hammers chiefs have held talks with Lopetegui and Sporting Lisbon manager, Ruben Amorim, in the last week with David Moyes expected to leave when his contract runs out this summer.
West Ham target Julen Lopetegui has begun talks with AC MilanPA
David Moyes is expected to leave the Hammers in the summerAFP
Lopetegui, who left Wolves days before the start of the season after a dispute over transfer spending, had emerged as West Ham‘s first choice.
However, Italian giants AC Milan have also approached the former Spain and Real Madrid boss and now appear to be his preferred choice.
His decision to choose Milan over Stratford is a significant knock for the Hammers, with Amorim still yet to make a decision as to whether continue talks with the East Londoners.
Lille manager Paulo Fonseca, himself out of contract in June, has been considered while ex-Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick has also been suggested and also attended a game at the London Stadium earlier this season.
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is still out of work, though West Ham had previously decided he would not be a good fit for the club, while Ajax are also interested in appointing the Englishman.
Ahead of their 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Saturday, Moyes said he understood why there was speculation but offered a reminder of his achievements at the club.
Moyes said: “There’s been three or four games I have hated, but there’s been a bundle of good moments like the win against Tottenham, beating Chelsea, going to Brighton and winning and beating Manchester United at home.
“But all that is quite easily forgotten.”
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The Scot, who was offered a new deal earlier in the season but did not sign it, has not ruled out staying on – though the decision has now been taken out of his hands.
A very strong end to the season could change his standing with the West Ham hierarchy, with no final decision expected to be made before the end of the campaign.
The club and fans have been happy to accept a more pragmatic style of football under Moyes so long as the results continued coming, though form has dipped dramatically in 2024.
In a further blow to the Hammers, Amorim has apologised to Sporting and the club’s fans for travelling to meet with West Ham.
Speaking at length for the first time since Monday’s meeting, he said: “The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip but it was a mistake, the timing was completely wrong.
“It was wrong, especially when I’m so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one’s actions can overpower the team. I have removed players from the squad for much less.
“I apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff, and mainly publicly to my players.
“It was a mistake because the fact that we are close to winning the championship, nothing has been decided yet, and the team leader causes this noise.”
Asked about his future, Amorim said: “I have no answer to give you, nor do I know what I’m going to do.”
Ruben Amorim has apologised for meeting with West Ham chiefsGetty