Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso 'in the frame to be the next West Ham boss' after his success with Bayer Leverkusen... with David Moyes increasingly likely to leave this summer
- Alonso has caught the eye with stunning transformation of Bayer Leverkusen
- Moyes has been under pressure in recent months but has held onto his job
- He is expected to leave in the summer, and the club are looking for his successor
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is in the frame to be the next West Ham manager, according to the Sun.
The 41-year-old has caught the eye with his stunning transformation of German side Bayer Leverkusen this season.
When Alonso arrived in October, after three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team, Leverkusen were second bottom in the Bundesliga.
Now they are seventh in the table and through to semi finals of the Europa League.
Moyes' future beyond this season is under increasing doubt with the the process of identifying potential successors ahead of next season underway.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has sparked a turnaround at Bayer Leverkusen
David Moyes has been under significant pressure this season due to West Ham's poor form
Moyes’ position has been under scrutiny for much of 2023 following a difficult season that leaves the club just four points from the relegation zone - although the Hammers do have a game in hand over the teams around them.
But while the hierarchy have fallen short of dismissing Moyes mid-season, there is a growing sense that both parties will part ways ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Moyes’ existing contract is due to expire at the end of next season.
Sources have indicated the task of considering contenders to replace Moyes has begun, while it is also understood that intermediaries of potential summer signings are also expecting a change in the head coach position.
Graham Potter has admirers at West Ham and is available after his sacking at Chelsea earlier this month, but there are doubts over whether the ex-Brighton boss would consider joining West Ham.
Hammers chiefs have also been alerted to the work of Reims boss Will Still, 30, while Paulo Fonseca has also impressed in France’s Ligue 1 since joining Lille last summer.
Brendan Rodgers is available following his departure at Leicester this month, but sources have indicated a deal for him to join West Ham would be difficult to conclude.
David Sullivan (left) has stood by Moyes, but the Scot is set to leave West Ham this summer
Nuno Espirito Santo and Mauricio Pochettino were both considered as replacements for Moyes earlier this season, but it is understood both would have reservations about joining the Hammers.
Former Manchester United boss Moyes and the Hammers board continue to have a positive relationship despite the uncertainty over his job.
Indeed, chairman David Sullivan is said to have been one of Moyes’ main allies during what has been a troubled season for the club.
But it is now looking increasingly likely that the Hammers will have a new manager at helm before next season.
Most watched Sport videos
- Detroit Police give update on fatal shooting after Lions game
- The Wiggles perform an AFL Brisbane Lions promo dance video
- Jacoby Jones' mom and son cry after tribute to the ex-Ravens star
- The job Daniel Ricciardo would do if he wasn't in motorsport
- Arteta delighted with Arsenal's crucial 1-0 derby win over Tottenham
- Eddie Hearn reveals the secret to his bond with Anthony Joshua
- Travis Kelce arrives in green outfit at Arrowhead Stadium
- Emery pays tribute to Gary Shaw ahead of Villa's Europe return
- James McLean riles up Birmingham fans after catching launched drink
- Aston Villa train ahead of Champions League Young Boys clash
- Eddie Hearn brutally compares boxers to football teams
- Erik ten Hag sends warning about Antony ahead of Barnsley