West Ham to appoint director of football in attempt to fix transfer shortcomings

West Ham are set to appoint a director of football in an attempt to address misgivings over their recent transfer strategy. A recruitment process is under way and changes are expected at the club this summer.

Potential candidates have been identified and include the former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, Monaco’s Paul Mitchell, Brentford’s Lee Dykes and Atalanta’s Lee Congerton. There have been discussions with Victor Orta, who recently parted company with Leeds, but the Spaniard is regarded as an unlikely appointment.

West Ham, who are yet to decide whether to keep David Moyes as manager, have endured a disappointing campaign despite spending close to £160m on players last summer. Control over signings was largely handed to Moyes. Sources have spoken of dissatisfaction within the hierarchy over the club’s business. If Moyes stays it is anticipated his influence over transfer business would be reduced.

Moyes would have to decide whether he is willing to work with a director of football. Moyes is close with Rob Newman, the head of recruitment. Questions are set to be raised over Newman’s role. West Ham, six points above the bottom three, have been battling against relegation despite their outlay.

It is felt that bringing in a director of football would help the sporting director, Mark Noble. The former captain was appointed in January and the board are impressed with how he has settled. It has been recognised, though, that there is not enough support or experience around Noble. West Ham want to bolster their scouting network and relieve the demands on Noble, who is expected to have a large say over the academy.

West Ham had a director of football when Mario Husillos joined in 2018. Husillos was heavily