New West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui drawing up star-studded summer transfer shortlist including 2022 World Cup winner
JULEN LOPETEGUI is already drawing up lists of potential buys this summer as he closes in on becoming the next West Ham boss.
And the Spaniard is considering raiding former club Sevilla for striker Youssef En-Nesyri and defender Marcos Acuna.
Current Hammers chief David Moyes is leaving at the end of the season and Lopetegui has been in talks about taking over.
He believes West Ham need a new striker with current centre-forward Michail Antonio now 34.
En-Nesyri, 26, has previously been linked with them but with his old manager set to take over at the London Stadium he is now eager to try the Premier League.
The Morrocco international has scored 18 goals this season for club and country.
Left-back Acuna is a World Cup winner with Argentina and, although now 32, is considered a possible new signing.
Aaron Cresswell is 34 and out of contract come June, so Acuna could offer competition to current first choice Emerson.
Acuna has a year left on his contract at Sevilla and is a relatively high earner.
With Sevilla facing a year with no European competition, the club could be willing to let him go for a lower transfer fee.
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Lopetegui has made initial enquiries about the availability of both players but has not yet been announced as new boss at West Ham.
Moyes has two games remaining before leaving West Ham for the second time, having won them the European Conference League trophy last summer.
Their final home game of the season comes against Luton this weekend, before they travel to Manchester City on the final day.
Pundits' verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”