David Sullivan ‘won over’ by Julen Lopetegui in West Ham United talks as David Moyes nears exit
West Ham United chief David Sullivan has met and been “won over” by Julen Lopetegui as talks continue at the London Stadium, according to Graeme Bailey.
The journalist told Hammers News on Saturday (4 May) that although nothing has yet been confirmed by the Hammers, Sullivan was impressed by the former Real Madrid boss and it appears he will be the next Irons manager.
It seems increasingly likely that Moyes will depart East London come the end of the season and the expiry of his contract and while no decision is anticipated before the end of the campaign, Lopetegui seems lined up to step in.
Speaking to Hammers News, Bailey said: “Lopetegui has been pushed hard by some agents but Sullivan met him and that really made an impact. He assessed him and was very impressed… and in some regards was won over by the Spaniard.
“I am told he is the man they are going forward with, obviously nothing is done until it is signed but as it stands he is the chosen one to succeed David Moyes.”
Will West Ham United appoint Julen Lopetegui and sack David Moyes at the London Stadium?
It had previously been reported that Sullivan was left impressed by Lopetegui in their initial talks, but it had never been suggested that the former Wolves boss had managed to entirely win over the Irons chief.
While supporters seem incredibly divided over Lopetegui’s potential appointment, those in charge at the London Stadium appear to be completely convinced that he is the correct man to take over from Moyes in the coming weeks.
Many pundits and fans are suggesting the Scotsman has been unfairly treated by the West Ham board with constant speculation swirling around his future. If he didn’t know it before, Moyes definitely knows now that he’s being replaced.
Hopefully, the 61-year-old can have as positive an end to the season as possible and get the send-off he deserves from supporters. His future should never been this public an issue in the media.
In other West Ham news, a timeline update has emerged over Moyes’ potential exit at the London Stadium this summer
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