Paolo Di Canio has delivered his verdict on David Moyes and West Ham as Celtic make the Scot their ‘number one target’.
West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio is a firm favourite at Celtic too following his time at both clubs as a player.
And he has been watching developments at West Ham with great interest.
The Hammers beat an Italian side in the shape of Fiorentina to lift the Europa Conference League this week – the club’s first major trophy in 43 years.
But speculation continues to swirl around the future of David Moyes at West Ham amid links to his boyhood club Celtic.
Talk of serious Hoops interest in their former player has intensified since Ange Postecoglou’s departure for West Ham’s rivals Spurs.
Moyes wanted by boyhood club Celtic claim reports
Speaking since the final, Hammers chief David Sullivan made it clear Moyes will be West Ham manager next season – as long as he wants to be.
The caveat ‘if he wants to remain’ has fanned the flames of speculation that Moyes could decide to walk away from West Ham on a high and try a different challenge at Celtic.
Yesterday Football Insider claimed Celtic have now made their former defender the club’s prime candidate to replace Postecoglou.
And when Sky Sports performed a U-turn over breaking Moyes news on Saturday night, it fanned the flames of speculation there could be a chance he leaves West Ham.
Now Di Canio has delivered his verdict on Moyes and West Ham as Celtic make the Scot their ‘number one target’.
Paolo Di Canio delivers verdict on David Moyes and West Ham as Celtic make Scot their ‘number one target’
Di Canio scored 15 goals in 37 games during a memorable season with Celtic before signing for Sheffield Wednesday.
And he would then join West Ham, where he would have the golden spell of his career.
The Italian has praised Moyes despite a poor Premier League campaign and believes he should stay at West Ham amid the Celtic links.
But Di Canio has also made it clear that Moyes will know the team has to improve.
“He deserves it, because he was in trouble this year – we know,” Di Canio said on Sky Sports News (Saturday June 10, 3.24pm).
“Because in the league the team didn’t perform to the level they could. Because they spent a lot of money. But over the last two years they’ve built (towards) this victory in the cup.
‘Moyes is capable to do this’
“Of course we all expected more in the league, but it’s not every year you have the chance to win a cup so it’s amazing.
“The job (he has done) is amazing. But it’s obvious, even Moyes knows, that next year the team have to perform much better. Because in my opinion they should stay with these kind of players – of course we will probably lose (Declan) Rice and maybe bring in a player for a similar role – but we have to finish always top eight, because this is the quality of this club.
“And Moyes is capable to do this.”
The ex Celtic and West Ham hero then revealed he wore his old Hammers shirt from his playing days and a claret and blue scarf when he watched the final with friends.
And he says there was also a West Ham crest on the wall where he watched his old club beat his compatriots.
“We were celebrating because it was an emotional night, I’m very happy because the West Ham supporters are amazing,” Di Canio added.
“They are waiting for more than 50 years (for another European trophy) so it was (about time they had the chance) to celebrate. I’m very happy for all of them.”