West Ham United appoint Julen Lopetegui as head coach

Julen Lopetegui has replaced David Moyes as West Ham manager.

It looked likely that a deal was imminent but it has now been confirmed by the irons in a statement from the club.

The former Wolves boss, who parted ways with the Wanderers in August of last year after just nine months in charge is being brought in to West Ham on a two-year deal with the title of head coach.

Lopetegui, who was at Barcelona and Real Madrid as a player but featured mostly for Logrones and Rayo Vallecano, began coaching in Spain's youth set-up before spells at Vallecano in the Spanish second tier and Portuguese club Porto.

The 57-year-old took over as Spain coach in 2016 following the retirement of Vicente Del Bosque, but was sacked two days before the 2018 World Cup after agreeing to become Real Madrid manager after the tournament.

Lopetegui was then dismissed by the Spanish giants a few months later following a woeful start to his spell in charge.

Speaking to West Ham's website Lopetegui said his goals are to get West Ham back competing with the best.

"We are going to try to put our style and stamp to help the team to better achieve our aims and create a new shape of football here."

He also acknowledged Moyes' contribution during his second tenure: "I have big respect for the work of David in this club."

The club have stated that Lopetegui will be working with technical director Tim Steidten. This was a new approach for the club when Steidten was hired from last night's Europa League final runners-up Bayer Leverkusen.

It is understood that Steidten is responsible for recruitment. A reason cited for Lopetegui's departure from Wolves after only a nine-month stint.

On the appointment Steidten told West Ham TV that Lopetegui was the stand-out candidate.

"His