West Ham 'close to agreeing' deal for ex-Real Madrid manager to replace David Moyes

West Ham are close to reaching an agreement with a new manager to replace David Moyes.

Moyes returned to West Ham for a second managerial stint in 2019, and last season guided the club to a first European trophy in 58 years by winning the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The Hammers reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League under Moyes this term, but a downturn in form since Christmas cast doubts over the club extending his contract which will expire this summer.

Moyes has repeatedly stated that he will hold talks with the club's chairman David Sullivan once the season has finished, but it looks like the Hammers have decided to move on from the Scotsman.

According to The Guardian, West Ham are close to reaching an agreement for former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Julen Lopetegui to replace Moyes.

The Spanish coach took charge at Molineux in November 2022 but left just before the start of the current season due to the club's delicate financial situation.

Lopetegui has previously manager Spain, Real Madrid and Sevilla, winning the Europa League with the latter in 2019-20.

The 57-year-old is no longer in contention to take charge at AC Milan, and an agreement for him to join West Ham could be reached as early as next week.

David Moyes during West Ham vs. Liverpool. Image: Getty

In that instance, fans would get the chance to give Moyes a proper sendoff when West Ham play Luton Town in their final home league game of the season next Saturday.

West Ham held talks with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim last month, with some figures at the club believing the 39-year-old would be the best option.

However, it's unclear whether West Ham would be willing to pay the €15m (£12.8m) release clause in Amorim's Sporting contract.

Amorim has since publicly apologised to his club for flying to London to meet with West Ham officials.