A sensational new report claims West Ham are in a literal sack race with four other clubs so they can be first to a manager dubbed the ‘new Mourinho’.
West Ham majority owner David Sullivan has made it perfectly clear he would never appoint Jose Mourinho.
The Special One was linked with the Hammers earlier this year.
When it was put to Sullivan’s spokesman whether there was any truth to the claims, he responded: “ZERO” in capital letters for emphasis.
But how about the ‘new Mourinho’ at West Ham?
Speculation continues to swirl over Julen Lopetegui’s future in east London.
Claim and counter claim has been made this week about whether defeat against Everton this weekend will result in the Spaniard being sacked.
In the last couple of weeks a plethora of managers have been linked with the Hammers as potential replacements.
From the likes of Graham Potter and Edin Terzic to Sebastian Hoeness and Roger Schmidt.
Sacking Lopetegui just 11 Premier League games in would be some climbdown from majority owner Sullivan.
West Ham in literal sack race with four clubs for ‘new Mourinho’
After all it was he who selected the former Wolves boss having been impressed during his interview.
Poor performances, results and a lack of any clear identity thus far has seen Hammers fans question whether Lopetegui is the right man.
Indeed many were lukewarm at best about his appointment in the first place.
There has also been an element of fortune to three of West Ham’s four wins from 12 games under the 57-year-old.
The owners publicly backed Lopetegui after the 3-0 defeat at Forest.
But the narrative around this weekend’s game against Everton is one of make or break.
One West Ham reporter even claims the head coach could be sacked unless they beat the Toffees convincingly.
Now an incredible new claim has been made by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
He states that West Ham are in a literal sack race with four clubs to bring in the ‘new Mourinho’.
Hammers eyeing Conceicao but so are rivals claims Crook
Reporting alongside talkSPORT colleague Connor Andrews, Crook claims four clubs are considering sacking their managers this weekend.
And one name is chief among their targets – Sergio Conceicao.
The report claims West Ham, their opponents Everton, Wolves and their opponents Southampton are all considering wielding the axe should they lose in Premier League game week 11.
Out of work Portuguese Conceicao, who left Porto in the summer after a hugely successful spell, is the man in demand.
So much so each club is worried they may miss out should they stand by their managers too long.
“Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui is facing serious questions after a poor start to the season and talkSPORT has been told several senior stars are not fully on board with the Spaniard,” Crook and Andrews state.
“Toffees manager Sean Dyche is also under scrutiny from incoming new owner Dan Friedkin.
“Out-of-work manager Sergio Conceicao, who led Porto to three league titles among 11 major honours, is thought to be on the radar of multiple English clubs.”
Lopetegui won his last El Sackico of course when West Ham beat Man United to cost Erik ten Hag his job less than two weeks ago.
This is not the first time Conceicao’s name has been mentioned in conjunction with West Ham, though.
Journalist Graeme Bailey reported last month that the 49-year-old – who played down comparisons to Mourinho earlier this year – is very much in West Ham’s sights should they sack Lopetegui.
Hammers News suggested last month West Ham must go after Conceicao if they decide to part company with Lopetegui.
One look at his style, record and his love of bringing through academy players, would suggest he could be the perfect fit for the Hammers.
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