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 consider 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 embroiled in an intense verbal dispute with summer signing Todibo at half-time of their 5-2 loss against Arsenal on Saturday.

As emotions ran high in the home dressing room with the Hammers conceding five before half-time, Todibo made clear his frustration during the break which escalated into a row with Lopetegui.

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

Indeed, the clash – it is understood – was not the reason behind Todibo’s omission from the squad that lost to Leicester on Tuesday night.

Todibo signed in the summer and was involved in the row with under-fire boss Lopetegui 

Lopetegui is fighting for his future with the Hammers struggling in 14th in the Premier League

The central defender is currently suffering with a groin niggle that almost precluded his inclusion in the team that faced Arsenal on Saturday.

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

There are big concerns at the London Stadium over the team’s progress since Lopetegui’s appointment following David Moyes’ departure at the end of last season to leave the former Wolves boss in a precarious position.

Heading into last Monday’s win at Newcastle, it is understood Lopetegui’s role at the club was already under the microscope.

Victory and a positive performance at St James’ Park sparked optimism that the team may have turned the corner – but two consecutive losses have served to intensify the internal doubts.

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

Sections of the supporter base have already turned on Lopetegui, which will not work in his favour.

Hammers fans heckled their own on boss against Leicester on Tuesday night, chanting: ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’.

Co-owner David Sullivan has a track record of sticking by managers when the going gets tough

Some fans have already turned on Lopetegui as they chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ at the 3-1 defeat by Leicester

The club have tentatively considered replacements for Lopetegui in recent weeks amid the internal concerns.

Sergio Conceicao, who left Porto last season, was put forward as an 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, would be open to replacing Lopetegui.

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