West Ham owner David Sullivan is stalling on sacking Julen Lopetegui as he has a replacement in mind for next summer, according to reports.

Speaking to Hammers News, journalist Graham Bailey claims that Sullivan would prefer to appoint former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the season:

“I am told Lopetegui essentially had a free hit against Liverpool – although losing by five does make things a bit different.”

“I think the Palace and Fulham games are the big ones coming. But Sullivan really wants to wait until the summer – and he really likes [Max] Allegri.”

Allegri would not bring attacking football but his CV is very impressive

The 57-year-old is a stereotypical Italian manager, who is very much focused on keeping things tight at the back.

However, Allegri’s record speaks for itself. He has won six Serie A titles (one with AC Milan and five with Juventus). He also won 9 other domestic trophies, having also reached the Champions League final on two separate occasions.

He has been out of work since being sacked at the end of last season, having ended his second stint in charge of Juventus.

West Ham may hire an interim manager until next summer

Lopetegui could still be fired by Sullivan in the coming weeks if results continue to be poor and it is believed that there is, at least, one coach willing to take the job on an interim basis.

Bailey claims that former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is “ready” to step into the breach if the call is made. Based on what fans on social media have been saying in recent days, many would like the club to make the change right now and not wait until things get any worse.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here