West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui could be saved from the sack by the East London outfit if they're able to sign a €60 million La Liga ace with Premier League ambitions.

It's fair to say that Julen Lopetegui's first few months in charge of West Ham have been turbulent to say the least.

With so many new signings over the summer, you would have thought the Hammers would be in the top half of the Premier League and challenging for European places.

As it is, the Irons find themselves in 14th place, with a trip to bottom side Southampton - with new manager Ivan Juric ready to lead the charge - looming large.

It's believed that Loptegui is one game away from being sacked, while one West Ham player is keen to leave whether the manager goes or not.

The news that Brais Mendez, one of Real Sociedad's most important players, is interested in furthering his career ambitions with a move to the Premier League, according to CaughtOffside sources, is likely to be welcomed by the East Londoners.

That's because West Ham have watched Mendez in recent matches against Leganes, Las Palmas and Celta Vigo and have been impressed by his ability.

Aston Villa are also said to be monitoring the situation, although the Hammers could be in the running if they're prepared to meet La Real's valuation of €60 million.

CaughtOffside's sources also claim that Sociedad would prefer Mendez to continue his footballing education with them, as they don't want to be known as a selling club.

Mikel Merino recently left for Arsenal, Alexander Isak is set to join Newcastle in 2022 and the continued interest from the English giants in Martin Zubimendi could ultimately prove too much for the Spain international to resist.

Despite the Spanish top-flight side’s hopes, if the West Ham board decide to continue backing their manager, then Mendez’s creativity and vision will play an important role in improving the team’s performance in the Premier League – and potentially keep Lopetegui in a job.