A Sky Sports journalist claims there is ‘concrete interest’ from the Premier League in a manager Tim Steidten wanted at West Ham.
Speculation continues to swirl over the future of Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.
In the last two weeks Graham Potter, Edin Terzic and Jose Mourinho have all been linked with the Hammers.
A dismal 3-0 defeat to Forest last time out has turned up the heat on Lopetegui.
Now the Spaniard faces a huge game in the Premier League at home to Everton with his job potentially on the line.
There have been conflicting claims about whether West Ham must beat the Toffees to save Lopetegui’s skin.
The Athletic’s West Ham reporter Roshane Thomas has stated that even a win may not be enough if the performance is not convincing.
Fans appear to be losing faith in the 57-year-old.
A poll run by Hammers insider Sean Whetstone saw nearly 85 per cent of the 3,500 who voted state they have no confidence Lopetegui can turn things around.
Poor performances, results, a lack of identity and distinct lack of discipline are making the future look bleak for the former Wolves boss.
Especially amid claims of unrest in the ranks from several journalists.
It was reported just over a month ago that Tim Steidten, West Ham’s technical director, had warned Sullivan off appointing Lopetegui.
Steidten reportedly wanted to bring in a young German boss, with one in particular named as his top target before Lopetegui impressed Sullivan in his interview.
So West Ham must be behind ‘concrete interest’ in a top Steidten manager pick after a journalist’s release clause claim.
It was reported way back in April that Steidten wanted Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness as his top target.
Now a reporter with links to West Ham’s technical director has made a very intriguing and interestingly timed claim.
Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg says Hoeness has concrete interest from the Premier League.
He has suggested the Stuttgart boss could be persuaded to leave. And Plettenberg states his release clause to be just £5m – cheap in comparison to the figure Man United have paid for Ruben Amorim.
Plettenberg says a decision on the Steidten favourite’s future is due in March or April if nobody comes in before then.
“Sebastian Hoeness does not rule out staying beyond this season,” Plettenberg said.
“He fully identifies with the club and the fans.
“However, his decision to stay largely depends on whether VfB Stuttgart’s squad will be competitive.
“His contract with VfB runs until 2027, with a release clause of €7-8m (£5m) for Bundesliga and international clubs, as revealed.
“He is at the top of Leverkusen’s list, and Premier League teams are also showing concrete interest. A decision on Hoeness’s future is expected between March and April 2025.”
This seems far too coincidental not to involve the Hammers.
You mean to tell me West Ham might be looking for a new manager soon and the one their technical director desperately wanted is suddenly having doubts cast over his future by a reporter close to that very same technical director?
With his release clause put out in the public domain for good measure.
Sullivan has been criticised by West Ham fans for not wanting to Ruben Amorim’s release clause and his wage and staff package.
Time will tell whether that was the right call now he’s been appointed by Man United.
But Hoeness’ is half the price and looks a bargain given what he’s done with Stuttgart.
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