Julen Lopetegui ‘AGREES to replace David Moyes as West Ham boss’ with Conference League-winning manager set to disappear 12 months later

Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui has reportedly agreed a deal to succeed David Moyes as West Ham boss next season.

Moyes’ future looks increasingly uncertain after a run of poor results – the latest of which was a 5-0 thrashing of London rivals Chelsea – leaving the club ninth in the Premier League table, with just one win in five matches.

Mail Sport have reported that West Ham are in advanced talks to land Lopetegui as their new boss and according to Fabrizio Romanoan agreement was reached for the Spaniard to take over.

The report claims the Spaniard has ‘accepted’ West Ham’s offer and is ‘ready to take the formal steps’, with the finer details being finalized before contracts are officially signed.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim was the alternative name on a two-man shortlist – but his £12.8 million release clause had become a significant obstacle.

Julen Lopetegui reportedly completes deal to replace David Moyes at West Ham next season

Moyes is under pressure at the London Stadium after his side were beaten 5-0 by Chelsea

The struggling Hammers have now conceded ten goals in consecutive away games.

And on Monday, Amorim confirmed he would stay with the Portuguese club, saying he was “under contract” and experiencing “a special moment” after winning the title.

Wolves’ improvement under Lopetegui following his arrival in 2022 is said to have been one of the key factors in his emergence as a serious candidate for the job, as well as his history of lifting other teams during his career.

The Molineux club were in the relegation zone with 10 points when he was named Bruno Lage’s replacement in 2022, but ultimately finished 13th, finishing the campaign with a ratio of 1.35 points per game – the seventh highest of all top bosses in his 23 matches. in charge.

Likewise, during his time at Sevilla, he recorded a higher points per game ratio and winning percentage than current Aston Villa boss Unai Emery during his time at the club between 2013 and 2016.

Lopetegui’s history of improving teams – particularly at Wolves – is said to be a key factor in West Ham’s interest.

Ruben Amorim was ready to join West Ham, but talks hit a stumbling block over his release clause

Moyes’ position appears untenable after his side were beaten again – weeks after being beaten 5-2 by Crystal Palace – just a year after the Scot won the UEFA Conference League to end 43 years waiting for silverware.

“Not good,” Moyes said when asked about his side’s performance in west London. “Lack of tenacity, leadership, mental strength. We have played two matches and we have conceded five.

“The manager will always take responsibility, that’s what happens when you do this job. You have to prepare them, put them in place.

“But at some point players have to take responsibility to do their job and be difficult to play against, and be aggressive and competitive. I wonder if we were all that in the first half.

“Too many bad things in the game. It happened several times this season, which I certainly didn’t like. I didn’t enjoy this day at all.

“The players are out of position, lacking position and opening up too easily. I thought in the second half we made it harder for them to score, but we conceded two ridiculous goals in the second half.