West Ham United have confirmed the appointment
of Gianluca Nani as the club's new technical director.
The Hammers have been scouring the world for a person to
fill the newly created role, which will become a pivotal position
at the East London outfit.
Nani held a similar role at Brescia since 1999 but he has
been lured to the English capital by West Ham chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, and will take up his new post in June.
A statement on the club's official website read:
"His responsibilities include being in charge of all aspects of
technical development - such as the youth academy, transfers and
improving training facilities.
"Nani will start his new role full-time in June
but has already begun working with [manager] Alan Curbishley on
identifying potential transfer targets for the summer.
"An English speaker, who is fluent in Spanish and has a
good knowledge of French, Nani's appointment comes after a
six-month search by the board and the manager to find a suitable
candidate capable of helping the club move forward on the domestic
and European stage.
"Nani's roles at West Ham United will include: enhancing
the international scouting network, working with Alan Curbishley
and the board on all transfers, developing the youth academy with
Tony Carr and improving all aspects of the training ground
facilities."
