David Ornstein has delivered a mysterious update from Newcastle which suggests Daniel Kretinsky is set for a major West Ham coup.
West Ham have been on the hunt for a new director of football as the club continues a big restructure following Daniel Kretinsky taking power in east London.
The Hammers have been linked with the likes of Middlesbrough’s Kieran Scott.
West Ham set for Nickson coup after mysterious Ornstein update?
Hammers News reported earlier that Middlesbrough will be relieved after West Ham offered the job to key Newcastle man Steve Nickson.
The Daily Mail poured cold water on West Ham’s chances of landing Nickson, who has been responsible for some of Newcastle’s best signings of the last 15 years.
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But now new majority owner Kretinsky is showing he means business as the Czech billionaire looks set for a major West Ham coup after a mysterious update from journalist David Ornstein.
The Athletic’s Ornstein has this evening confirmed Nickson has told Newcastle he is leaving the club.
The report states that Nickson is set for a move to a Championship side but stops short of naming which one amid the links to West Ham.
Ornstein also confirms ‘all parties are comfortable with the situation’.
However, dates for the switch are yet to be confirmed.
Newcastle’s Nickson ‘set for Championship’ amid West Ham links
“Nickson has informed Newcastle of his intention to depart and, while the exact timings of his St James’ Park exit remain unclear, all parties are comfortable with the situation,” Ornstein states.
“A move to the Championship is on the radar for Nickson as his next anticipated career move following 15 years at Newcastle.”
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The report suggests Nickson may have to serve a period of notice to give Newcastle the opportunity to succession plan.
But given West Ham – or any Championship club should it not be them – will not offer any legitimate competition to Newcastle next season, that should not be an issue which drags on an undue length of time.
Kretinsky has vowed to keep as many of West Ham’s top players after plugging a £90m hole in the club’s finances following relegation by purchasing an additional 16 per cent of the club at £5.6m per share.
But the sale of some players is inevitable with the likes of Mateus Fernandes likely to leave for big money.
If he does make the move to the London Stadium, Nickson will have work to do – and quickly – to ensure the Hammers have a squad ready to bounce straight back to the Premier League.
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