Newcastle United rivals make brutal managerial decision over former Sunderland man

West Ham United are set to pull the trigger on David Moyes at the end of the season - with Julen Lopetegui taking charge.

Until recently, the Hammers were battling Newcastle United for a European spot. The thrilling 4-3 comeback win on Easter weekend proved a turning point, with West Ham winning one from eight since.

The Irons are now unable to mathematically finish above Newcastle following their 5-0 defeat to Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino’s men brushed aside West Ham in brutal fashion to put the final nail in Moyes’ managerial coffin.

Various outlets are claiming London Stadium chiefs will not renew his contract this summer, effectively dismissing the 61-year-old after five years in charge. Moyes had previously spent six months in East London before being moved on for Manuel Pellegrini.

The move comes just a year on from West Ham’s historic Conference League triumph in Prague. Moyes steered the club to their first trophy since 1981 but criticism has developed over his style of play.

That is despite the Hammers enjoying European football for three consecutive seasons under the former Sunderland man. Surprisingly, his expected successor, Lopetegui, reportedly rejected an approach from Bayern Munich before verbally agreeing to join West Ham.

The managerial merry-go-round will see Thomas Tuchel - also linked with West Ham - step down from the Bundesliga giants this summer. But Lopetegui, who last worked at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is understood to be keen on a Premier League return. Eddie Howe will become the fifth-longest-serving manager in the top flight, ranking 11th across all four divisions.