West Ham have agreed a deal in principle with Julen Lopetegui to take over from David Moyes as manager.
Lopetegui has been out of work since leaving Wolves three days before the start of the 2023/24 season but has continued to live in England in a bid to return to Premier League management.
The 57-year-old, who has also managed Porto, Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla throughout an illustrious coaching career, looks set to take charge at the London Stadium at the end of the season after Moyes’ expected departure.
Moyes is out of contact in the summer and has faced increased questions about his future as West Ham have only won one of their previous nine Premier League games and were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
More to follow…
‘I’m just starting here’ – Lopetegui on Premier League
Speaking to Sky Sports News reporter Danyal Khan in December, Lopetegui explained why he feels he has unfinished business in the Premier League and revealed he has met the PFA, LMA and PGMOL during his time off in a bid to prepare himself for a return to England’s top division.
“It’s why I’ve said no to different countries and different situations because I would like to stay here in England. I feel like our team here is just starting and we want to achieve our dreams.” Lopetegui said at the time.
“The way the country lives football here is special – it’s the best league in the world, the most competitive league in the world, the best environment for the players, coaches and fans too.”