Moyes agreed a contract until the end of the season when he replaced Slaven Bilic in November and, despite a significant upturn in results and performances, he has maintained that he has no intention of opening talks about a new deal yet.

And the club have reiterated their stance that discussions over any new deal will take place once the season is over.

A statement read: "As previously stated on a number of occasions, the club and David Moyes agreed a deal until the end of the 2017/18 season, at which point both parties will sit down and discuss the future.

"Until then, the board and David Moyes will continue to work closely together, with the manager having full responsibility of footballing matters and the full support of the board.

"Everyone's sole focus is on trying to achieve results for West Ham United."

Nevertheless there remains an underlying tension at the club following a disappointing transfer window and the sacking of director of recruitment Tony Henry following claims he told agents they did not want to sign any more African players.

Disenchanted West Ham fans vented their anger towards owners David Sullivan and David Gold during Saturday's defeat at Brighton, and a protest march from the site of their old Upton Park ground to the London Stadium is planned for March 10, prior to their home game against Burnley.

Vice-chairman Karren Brady has leapt to the defence of the under-fire owners after being questioned about their perceived lack of spending on players.

She wrote on Twitter: "Re spend on players - DS/DG have spent £264m since 2010 & that does not take into account the millions more spent on wages, agent fees etc. also spent a further £13.2m in the last 2 years on shop/offices/rush green."

There was more bad news today when it was revealed midfielder Pedro Obiang is likely to be ruled out for the rest of the season after a knee operation.

- PA