Julen Lopetegui set to ESCAPE the sack at West Ham, despite board level talks over replacing him, as he faces must-win game against Gary O’Neil’s Wolves

Julen Lopetegui is expected to stay in charge of West Ham for Monday’s clash against Wolves but still faces a fight to keep his job.

The Spaniard is under huge pressure at the London Stadium following a poor start to the season.

The Hammers hierarchy have held crunch talks today to decide Lopetegui’s future, with the prospect of sacking their head coach seriously considered.

However, as first revealed on Mail Sport’s social media channels on Thursday, it is understood that Lopetegui will remain in charge for next week’s game against Wolves – which will now become pivotal in determining the 58-year-old’s future at the club.

During discussions on Thursday it was acknowledged that the performance of the team has not been up to the required standard and an improvement is required.

Nevertheless, the focus for the club has now turned to the game against Wolves as they give their under-fire boss a chance to turn fortunes around.

Two consecutive defeats have intensified the scrutiny on Lopetegui, with the Hammers 14th

Graham Potter, Sergio Conceicao, and Edin Terzic have been identified as possible successors

The game could also prove crucial in deciding the future of Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, who is also under major pressure.

O’Neil is fighting to keep his job following Wednesday’s dismal loss at Everton.

On October 31, Mail Sport reported that O’Neil maintained the immediate backing of the club’s board despite a run – at that stage – that saw them pick up just two points from a possible 27.

Since then the team have improved, picking up seven points from 15. But two consecutive losses to Bournemouth on Saturday and then Wednesday’s 4-0 crushing at Goodison Park leaves O’Neil under threat.

Wolves fans heckled their own manager against Everton and sections have already turned on O’Neil, whose side are in the bottom three.

Ultimately, results and performances will determine whether the Wolves hierarchy decide to part with the former Bournemouth boss.

But it is also understood the club are also fully engaged with fan feelings towards their head coach as they look to avoid any sense of toxicity.