Rice replacement could save David Moyes job as West Ham finally agree deal to cut ‘tensions’

David Moyes could reportedly depart West Ham soon amid ‘tensions’ over a lack of transfers, but the agreement to sign Edson Alvarez could see those eased.

Moyes has been relatively successful in his time as Hammers boss so far. After a 16th-placed finish his first season, he guided his side to sixth and then seventh the following two campaigns.

While they dropped back down to 14th last season, they won the UEFA Europa Conference League. However, the exit of star player Declan Rice was always going to be a significant event, and it could spell the end of Moyes’ tenure.

Indeed, the Daily Mail reports there are currently ‘tensions’ at the club due to a lack of transfers. The manager has attempted to secure deals for the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, but has ‘faced hurdles’ including ‘others wanting to go in another direction’.

The pursuit of Ward-Prowse, for example, saw West Ham lowball Southampton with a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ £30million offer.

Having sold Rice for £105million, they should have no problems with affording new targets. They should be especially keen on replacing him, given they’ve lost one of the Premier League’s best midfielders.

They might soon be able to do that, in a move that could ease the tensions between Moyes and the West Ham board. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports the Hammers have ‘reached an agreement’ on personal terms with Ajax midfielder Alvarez.

Of course, they’ll still have to negotiate a fee with Ajax, but at least they’re taking steps in the right direction. Romano states negotiations with the clubs ‘will follow’.

Alvarez has been a target for some big clubs in the past, so if the Hammers are to sign him, it’ll be a great signing, and they should be happy.

While it’s only one transfer, it’s a big step given they’ve signed literally nobody yet this summer, and the Premier League season starts in a week.

However, whether one signing is enough to stop the feud between Moyes and those around him remains to be seen. If not, the Hammers could have a new manager quite early on in the season.

Indeed, the Daily Mail reports they have already compiled a list of replacements for the current boss in the event that he does leave.

READ MORE: Chelsea defender shown door amid Everton interest as £38m signing forces transfer decision