A journalist has laid claim to a big Paulo Fonseca development as David Sullivan finalises his West Ham managerial shortlist.

To outsiders West Ham’s new manager search being played out in the press must seem scattergun to say the least.

Hammers fans, though, are well used to this by now.

And those cynical West Ham fans of a certain vintage always fear the club could fall in a barrel of lollies and come up sucking their thumbs.

The party line coming out of West Ham – first reported by Hammers News weeks ago – is that no decision will be made on David Moyes until the end of the season.

Despite the caveated line attached to reporting on the managerial situation – ‘should they part ways with Moyes’ – it is clear the Scot’s time at West Ham is coming to an end.

West Ham cast new boss net far and wide

Since the humbling 5-2 defeat at Palace five days ago, the Hammers have been linked with no fewer than 14 different managers. And counting.

Ruben Amorim, Julen Lopetegui, Thomas Tuchel, Paulo Fonseca, Kieran McKenna, Steve Cooper, Sebastian Hoeness, Hansi Flick, Vincent Kompany, Gary O’Neil, Abel Ferreira, Maurizio Sarri, Marco Silva and Eusebio Di Francesco are the names linked with the Hammers since Sunday.

It’s some list David Sullivan and technical director Tim Steidten seem to be compiling.

How much of the reporting around is accurate, though, is another thing entirely.

One man who has earned a reputation for breaking accurate West Ham news if Ben Jacobs.

The journalist was the man who first broke news of us signing Lucas Paqueta in the summer of 2022.

Paqueta ended up joining West Ham three weeks after Jacobs’ claim. The reporter also first revealed Arsenal were confident of signing Declan Rice.

Fonseca development as Sullivan finalises shortlist

So it is fair to say Jacobs, who works with CBS, knows his stuff when it comes to the Hammers.

Now the journalist has laid claim to a big Fonseca development as Sullivan finalises his West Ham shortlist.

Earlier this week Jacobs revealed Fonseca is very much admired by the club’s owners.

Now he says Fonseca has made the final shortlist despite being knocked back for the West Ham job after being interviewed by Sullivan back in 2018.

But Jacobs also states Lopetegui is another at the ‘forefront of West Ham’s thinking’.

“Understand Fonseca is expected to make West Ham’s final shortlist if they decide to part ways with David Moyes,” Jacobs said.

“He interviewed in 2018, although failed to progress after meeting David Sullivan.

“Julen Lopetegui also at the forefront of West Ham’s thinking.”

Fans will welcome Fonseca claim

The potential appointment of Lopetegui has not gone down too well with many West Ham fans.

And a top Wolves expert told Hammers News this week that supporters are right to have Lopetegui reservations.

Indeed it has even been reported that Steidten advocating Fonseca and Ruben Amorim over the Spaniard.

News that Fonseca, who has done an excellent job at Lille, has made West Ham’s final shortlist will be welcomed by fans.

The Portuguese is known for his attacking philosophy and bringing through young players.

So he sounds like he could be the perfect fit for what Hammers fans want.

You can learn more about what Fonseca might bring to the club in the video below.

Related Topics