Talk Sport reports that Mark Noble and Tim Steidten are urging West Ham chairman David Sullivan to sign Ruben Amorim, despite Sullivan’s advanced talks with former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui. They are looking to replace David Moyes, who has been at the helm for four-and-a-half years at the London Stadium.
Noble and Steidten, the technical director, believe that appointing Sporting Lisbon’s head coach Amorim would make a significant statement of intent. Amorim, who has a release clause exceeding £10 million, flew in for discussions with Sullivan last month.
These discussions sparked controversy in Portugal, leading Amorim to apologize to Sporting and its fans for meeting with West Ham during a critical time in the Primeira Liga title race against Benfica.
Despite initially seeming hesitant about leaving due to his commitment to Sporting and rumored links to replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, Amorim is reportedly still interested in a move to the Premier League.
The £10 million price tag is considered a stumbling block for Sullivan, with Lopetegui being a more cost-effective option since he has been without a club since leaving Wolves in August 2023.
This presents a complex situation for Sullivan, who is keen on securing Lopetegui. However, given the fan pressure through a petition, Sullivan could find his position at the club precarious should Lopetegui not succeed in East London.