A rather shocking claim emerged today regarding new West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui.
West Ham fans will be well aware that Lopetegui walked out on former club Wolves on the eve of last season over broken promises regarding transfers.
West Ham’s owners have been warned that made the Spaniard a somewhat risky appointment.
After a period of stability under David Moyes, the last thing the Hammers hierarchy need is their new head coach walking out on the club, as he did with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Many West Ham fans have seen Lopetegui’s fierce ambition as a source of reassurance.
Shock Lopetegui West Ham walkout claim made
An Athletic journalist familiar with the fine details behind the new Hammers boss’ time at Wolves warned majority owner David Sullivan has and technical director Tim Steidten what needs to happen to avoid a repeat of a Lopetegui walkout at West Ham.
Essentially the ex Sevilla man must feel he is being backed with quality signings ad promises are not reneged upon.
So there was some dismay this morning when it was claimed Lopetegui could walk out on West Ham just three official days into the job.
Hammers News promised to seek answers from the club about the report.
Now West Ham have responded to the Lopetegui walkout claim with a major transfer pledge.
West Ham respond to claim with major transfer pledge
Speaking exclusively to Hammers News, the top spokesman inside West Ham has issued an emphatic response to talk Lopetegui could quit.
The source has told Hammers News that Sullivan is meeting with Lopetegui for dinner this evening.
And, excitingly, pledged that Sullivan and Steidten are 95 per cent sure they will have a top £40m Lopetegui target signed for West Ham in the next three days.
“Claims Lopetegui could walk out on the club are NOT TRUE,” the West Ham spokesman told.
“David Sullivan is having dinner with him tonight.
“We’ll 95 per cent sign a £40m player Lopetegui wants in next 72 hours.”
The key senior Hammers source did not confirm which player that is.
Kilman or Todibo on the way imminently?
But it seems likely to be either Wolves captain Max Kilman or Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.
The Hammers have prioritised signing Kilman and have been in talks with Wolves for over two weeks.
Hammers News exclusively revealed recently that Sullivan is willing to push the boat out to get a deal done for Kilman to please his new head coach.
Just over a week ago Hammers News exclusively reported that the top club source was confident a deal would be done for Kilman after West Ham changed the bid structure.
Overnight it was also claimed the east Londoners believe they can sign Todibo too after seeing an initial £24.5m bid rejected.
West Ham are looking to make at least another six signings after the arrivals of Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham.
Now it seems the next one could well arrive before the weekend is out.
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