Julen Lopetegui on verge of agreeing personal terms amid West Ham United new manager speculation
Julen Lopetegui is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with AC Milan amid speculation that he could be the next West Ham United manager, according to Corriere dello Sport.
According to the report on page 9, 26 April, the former Wolves boss has prioritised the Serie A club as his preferred next role, should they choose to appoint him.
However, Milan have also been strongly linked with Mark van Bommel – currently head coach of Belgian side Antwerp.
West Ham United could be forced to look elsewhere
Lopetegui appears to be the latest name to be crossed off the West Ham managerial shortlist.
Following talks with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, reports emerged that he was unlikely to take the job, while Lopetegui now seems to have his heart set on a move to Milan rather than London.
Even if the Serie A giants decide not to appoint the 57-year-old, the Spaniard’s obvious preference for a move elsewhere may provoke doubt among the Hammers’ hierarchy in the strength of his enthusiasm for the role and prompt them to look elsewhere.
There are a number of possible alternatives that have been touted, including Lille boss Paulo Fonseca and former Chelsea, Brighton and Swansea City head coach Graham Potter who, like Lopetegui, is presently a free agent.
Ultimately, West Ham may rightly feel that – should David Moyes choose to leave the club at the end of the season – they will require a replacement who is not only progressive, but passionate about his new role.
In other West Ham news, Vincent Kompany’s name has been mentioned with regards to the Hammers job.
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