Claret and Hugh has been informed by a top source at West Ham that no offer was made to Julen Lopetegui.
This contradicts reports circulating in the Italian media this morning that Lopetegui rejected an offer of a contract with the Hammers to sign for Milan. C&H can now confirm that no contract was offered to the Spaniard, who had become the bookies’ favourite to succeed David Moyes.
When asked if the Julen Lopetegui rumours were true, a high-ranking Hammers official said, “Categorically no, and no manager has been offered the West Ham job.”
Well, that’s that then. It would certainly appear that the West Ham board are sounding out candidates in preparation for David Moyes’ possible departure.
Reading between the lines, Lopetegui may well have seen the writing on the wall and realised that no Hammers offer was imminent, so he decided to join Milan instead. The former Real Madrid coach currently lives in England, and West Ham was understood to be his chosen job, having presented a compelling vision for the club.
However, with no concrete job offer from the Hammers materialising, Lopetegui has probably decided to take the one job that is on offer.
The news will be a huge relief for many West Ham fans who were concerned the appointment was too similar to David Moyes style of pragmatic footbal.
If true, a relief as I thought his behaviour in walking out on Wolves just before season start was a poor reflection on his character.