Exclusive: Co-owner David Sullivan is being pressured by two agents over the new West Ham boss but his personal preference has emerged.
West Ham seem to be straddling a thin line between doing due diligence on potential new managers and blasting the market with scattergun.
There is never a dull moment when it comes to the Hammers.
Along with Liverpool, West Ham have dominated the football headlines in the last week.
Every spit and cough of West Ham’s movements regarding potential replacements for David Moyes is being played out in the press and on social media.
The party line caveated in every story about who David Sullivan and Tim Steidten could appoint to replace the Scot is that no decision will be made until the end of the season.
That’s the same stance first reported by Hammers News weeks ago.
Back in February we spoke to journalist Graeme Bailey about Moyes’ future at the club.
Bailey told us there was only one way Moyes would remain West Ham boss next season – by winning the Europa League.
West Ham’s managerial long-list
So it’s hardly surprising that reporting on the subject now centres around him being replaced when his contract expires after West Ham were knocked out. Not helped of course by defeats to Fulham and Palace either side.
Not many – even those who have been there, done it and got the T-shirt following the Hammers down the years – could have foreseen just how many managers the club would be linked with this week, though.
The number stands at a staggering 14 as collated from various reports.
Ruben Amorim, Julen Lopetegui, Thomas Tuchel, Paulo Fonseca, Kieran McKenna, Steve Cooper, Sebastian Hoeness, Hansi Flick, Vincent Kompany, Gary O’Neil, Abel Ferreira, Maurizio Sarri, Marco Silva and Eusebio Di Francesco are the names linked with the Hammers since Sunday.
Hammers News has once again spoken exclusively to Bailey about the situation.
Sullivan pressured by two agents over new boss
The journalist has confirmed there are indeed at least 12 names on the current shortlist.
He also revealed Sullivan is being pressured by two agents over a new West Ham boss but his personal preference has emerged.
It’s not the only pressure Sullivan is facing either. Because Bailey says one key person in the Hammers boardroom remains steadfastly behind Moyes too.
“So David Sullivan met with Lopetegui last week and was impressed,” Bailey told Hammers News.
“But he’s just one of a number of candidates, as you will be aware. He literally has a dozen names and quite likes many of them.
Co-owner’s personal preference emerges
“Two agents are pushing one manager massively but Sullivan is standing firm as it stands and won’t be rushed I am told. He is very much standing firm.
“I’m told Marco Silva might be his preferred option but he won’t pay the £15m compensation.
“One key figure behind the scenes at the club is also still pushing him to keep Moyes.”
Bailey’s intriguing update follows on from our story earlier today about claims Sullivan has finalised his shortlist.
Reporter Ben Jacobs, who first broke news of the deals involving Lucas Paqueta and Declan Rice, claims an exciting name has made the final list alongside others including Lopetegui.
If West Ham fans are hoping for clarity anytime soon, it seems they may be left waiting.
