Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui in advanced talks to replace David Moyes as West Ham manager next season with Scot expected to leave the club

Julen Lopetgui is in advanced talks over replacing David Moyes at West Ham ahead of next season.

The former Wolves head coach is emerging as the front runner to replace Moyes should, as is expected, the Scot leave the London Stadium in the coming weeks.

Ruben Amorim is the alternative name on a two-man shortlist - but his £12.8million release clause is currently a significant obstacle.

Discussions with Lopetgui have been positive and will continue into next week having impressed Hammers representatives.

Wolves’ improvement under Lopetegui following his arrival in 2022 is said to have been one of the key factors in his emergence as a serious contender for the job.

The Molineux club were in the relegation zone with 10 points when he was appointed as Bruno Lage’s replacement in 2022 but eventually finished 13th, ending the campaign with a 1.35 points per game ratio - the seventh highest of any top-flight boss in his 23 matches in charge.

Equally, during his time in Sevilla he recorded a more successful points per match ratio and win percentage than now Aston Villa boss Unai Emery did during his spell at the club between 2013-2016.

And it is Lopetegui’s history of improving teams that is understood to have attracted the Hammers.

The Sporting Lisbon head coach Amorim is the other name in the frame but there is a reluctance at West Ham to pay the release clause.

Amorim is open to joining West Ham

Intriguingly, Amorim is open to joining West Ham while there is said to be support for Amorim from certain figures inside the club given his reputation as one of the Europe’s brightest coaches.

But Lopetegui’s track record and experience and the fact he is freely available has put the Spaniard in pole position.