Nuno Espirito Santo is in the new manager at West Ham United and the Irons are already eyeing his first potential signing as they look to make improvements come the January window.
Nuno sets out his stall at West Ham Utd
Graham Potter was relieved of his duties by West Ham on Saturday after a poor run of results at the London Stadium, leading to the Hammers acting swiftly to appoint Nuno after his departure from Nottingham Forest.
Availability as an unattached manager and Karren Brady’s desire to see the Portuguese boss take the reins meant he was always the outstanding candidate, albeit his exploits at the City Ground last term shouldn’t go under the radar.
Speaking after his appointment, the former Spurs boss has vowed to try and build a sense of unity among the players, supporters and management staff, claiming that his arrival will be a chance to press the reset button.
He said in his inaugural press conference: “Now it’s a new beginning for everybody. It’s a new process that we really have to know, and we find out who we are and what we want to be. First of all, we have to realise who we are, and then we can create an identity. But first of all, we have to know each other really, really well.
“The supporters are very important, very important. That’s why I truly believe what we want to achieve is a platform. Now is not the moment to ask the fans. Now is the moment to deliver to the fans. When we have this bond, when other teams come to play against us, it’s going to be hell. But we have to achieve this bond first.”
While Paul Merson has voiced his opposition to West Ham appointing Nuno, he was probably the best and most sensible option available, and he could now be set to ramp up efforts to secure his first signing.
West Ham eyeing Juventus star Manuel Locatelli
According to Mark Brus in his Daily Briefing, West Ham are eyeing a January move for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, who may be available for £35 million if the Serie A giants decide to cash in on his services.
Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Bayer Leverkusen are also mooted as suitors, albeit the Old Lady would prefer not to lose the engine room operator if they manage to have it their own way.
Labelled “exemplary” by Massimiliano Allegri, Locatelli has made five appearances this term and possesses the calibre necessary to make an impact in the Premier League.
The Hammers have struggled for inspiration of late and lack leadership in what has been a difficult period on and off the pitch. However, Nuno’s appointment offers a clean slate, and some high-profile signings would improve the mood at the London Stadium.