West Ham are close to making a decision on whether to appoint Tim Steidten as their new technical director. The German has made a positive impression during talks and met David Moyes this week.
It has been stressed that Steidten, who left Bayer Leverkusen in March, is one of several candidates but the expectation is that the 44-year-old who held talks with Chelsea last season will move to the London Stadium.
West Ham have been looking to add to their recruitment team after growing dissatisfied with their signings last summer and the appointment of a senior figure will raise doubts over the future of the club’s current head of recruitment, Rob Newman.
Paul Mitchell, Lee Dykes, Lee Congerton, Tiago Pinto and Michael Edwards have also been considered for the role by West Ham. If Steidten’s appointment is confirmed it will not affect Mark Noble’s job as sporting director. Noble, who called time on his playing career last year, began his new role in January and is still gaining experience. He has not objected to the restructuring and it is felt that West Ham need more resources in their recruitment team.
Sources have said that any appointment will come with the blessing of Moyes, who is staying as manager after leading West Ham to victory in the Europa Conference League final last week. Moyes, who has a year left on his contract, normally likes to have a significant say in recruitment.
West Ham’s restructuring has seen them pause their transfer business. They are set to lose their captain, Declan Rice, to Arsenal for a fee that could top £100m. The club will aim to reinvest the money wisely and will look to replace Rice with two midfielders, with Ajax’s Edson Álvarez, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Fulham’s João Palhinha all on their radar.
West Ham have also held talks over signing Leicester’s Harvey Barnes but face competition from Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham.
