• Lopetegui’s future back in focus after heavy defeats
• West Ham consider Evan Ferguson loan in striker search

West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, is staying away from the training ground after a further breakdown in his relationship with Julen Lopetegui, whose position as manager is under renewed threat after heavy defeats by Liverpool and Manchester City.

The mood at the London Stadium has plummeted after a poor first half of the season, with the team’s struggles heightening the pressure on senior personnel.