Marc van Bommel could be about to give West Ham United a huge boost in their pursuit of Julen Lopetegui, by taking the lead in the race for the job at AC Milan.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who say the Rossoneri are considering Van Bommel as a replacement for Stefano Pioli.
They explain that the Italian club are planning for life post Pioli, with this season guaranteed to be one without any trophies and a growing belief they need to change manager.
Pioli has found himself under pressure for several months and the last two weeks, in which they’ve watched Inter beat them to the title and been knocked out of Europe, appears to have ended his time once and for all.
According to FM’s info, Van Bommel is scoring a lot of points with those higher up the club, with some even considering making him the priority target.
He’s been impressing with Royal Antwerp and even has the backing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been pushing internally for the club to move for him.
Should they do so, that would mean Lopetegui would not be heading for Milan, thus potentially leaving West Ham free to get him.
Reports earlier today indicated West Ham have potentially lined up the former Wolves manager as a replacement for David Moyes.
They face stern competition for the Spanish manager and AC Milan were one of those in the way, with Lopetegui on their list.
He had reportedly been waiting for the Milan job after leaving Wolves last year and so the Italians would have had the advantage but if they turn to Van Bommel, West Ham would potentially be his next best option.