Moyes is all set to return...
stand in his way. While Moyes insists he is revelling in his time in La Liga, his achievement in stabilising Real Sociedad has been seen locally as little more than the minimum requirement.
And while he has created a decent impression with the Basque club, he is not seen as a long-term option.
That has hardened Moyes’ determination to make a Premier League comeback sooner rather than later.
And West Ham’s owners – judging Moyes on his record and work at Everton rather than during his brief stint at Old Trafford – see him as a good fit for the challenge of leading West Ham into the Olympic Stadium should they decide to call time on Sam Allardyce’s stint at Upton Park.
In addition Moyes’ old pal Tony Henry is the chief scout at West Ham. The former player with Manchester City and Bolton was Moyes’ trusted scout at Everton.
He is now in charge of all Hammers’ scouting and transfer dealings. He reports directly to the board of Gold, Sullivan and Karren Brady and is currently negotiating with Sampdoria for 23-year-old Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang, who is rated at £8.5million.
Allardyce clearly feels undermined by the arrival of Henry and the power and responsibility he has been given.
Indeed, Henry does not work out of the training ground at Chadwell Heath but from Upton Park.
There has yet to be a decision about Allardyce’s future. His contract expires at the end of the season and talks about a renewal have not taken place, though Allardyce still maintains a new deal is a possibility.
The longer there is no decision, the more likely it is that Moyes will take over.