Revealed: West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui involved in intense half-time spat with summer signing, as under-fire manager fears the sack

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui was involved in a heated half-time exchange with defender Jean-Clair Todibo on Saturday as the club considered sacking their under-fire head coach.

Lopetegui is fighting for his job at the London Stadium after just seven months in charge following a poor start to his tenure at the club.

And Mail Sport can reveal the Spanish coach was involved in an intense verbal dispute when he signed Todibo in the summer at half-time of their 5-2 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday.

With emotions running high in the Hammers dressing room as the Hammers conceded five before half-time, Todibo made his frustration clear during the break, which culminated in an argument with Lopetegui.

The clash was not deemed serious enough for Lopetegui to replace Todibo at half-time, with the French defender playing 90 minutes against the Gunners.

It is understood the clash was not the reason behind Todibo’s omission from the side that lost to Leicester on Tuesday night.

Todibo signed in the summer and became embroiled in a feud with under-fire boss Lopetegui

The central defender is currently struggling with a groin injury, which almost prevented him from being included in the team that played against Arsenal on Saturday.

And while the half-time incident behind the scenes at the London Stadium will be portrayed as a scenario that plays out in most dressing rooms on matchdays, it does add a further twist to Lopetegui’s uncertain future at the club.

There have been major concerns at the London Stadium about the team’s progress since Lopetegui’s appointment following the departure of David Moyes at the end of last season, leaving the former Wolves boss in a precarious position.

Heading into last Monday’s victory at Newcastle, it became clear that Lopetegui’s role at the club was already under scrutiny.

The win and a positive performance at St James’ Park led to optimism that the team might have turned the corner, but back-to-back losses have only added to internal doubts.

Co-owner David Sullivan has a history of sticking to his managers but Lopetegui is now under immense pressure ahead of two crucial games against Wolves and Bournemouth, although it remains to be seen whether he will be given the time to take charge of both games to take.

Parts of the fan base have already turned against Lopetegui, which will not work in his favor.

Hammers fans argued with the boss against Leicester on Tuesday night, chanting: ‘you’ll be sacked in the morning’.

Due to internal concerns, the club has cautiously considered replacements for Lopetegui in recent weeks.

Sergio Conceicao, who left Porto last season, was mooted as a potential candidate ahead of Lopetegui’s appointment and still has admirers at the London Stadium

Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic, who led the German club to the Champions League final last summer, is said to be open to replacing Lopetegui.

Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and Brighton head coach, is also available.