WEST HAM have told technical director, Tim Steidten, to stay away from David Moyes and the first team for the rest of the season.
Steidten has been leading the search for potential new managers with Hammers boss Moyes out of contract this summer and unlikely to stay on at the London Stadium.
With tensions increasing over the Scot's future, a decision has now been made to keep the two apart at both the London Stadium and the club's Rush Green training ground - meaning the director is not welcome in the first team dressing room.
West Ham informed Steidten of their position following talks with Moyes. The situation only increases the likelihood of the 61-year-old leaving at the end of his deal.
The former director at Bayer Leverkusen and Werder Bremen will still attend West Ham's final three games against Chelsea, Luton and Manchester City.
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There is a lot of internal support for Steidten at the club. The 45-year-old has even brought his brother, Moritz, in as West Ham's head of international scouting and recruitment.
Moyes' own son, David Jnr, has also worked for the Hammers in a scouting role.
The German has met with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim and ex-Real Madrid and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui, who is the current front-runner should Moyes depart.
Moyes and Steidten have often clashed over potential targets or transfers since the latter was appointed in July last year, though their relationship was said to have improved as the season went on.
Steidten can often be seen pitchside before games in discussion with the ex-Manchester United manager, while he is often around the tunnel and changing room after matches.
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West Ham insiders say the decision has been made to allow the manager and players to focus on the end of the season without the distraction of Steidten continuing to pursue other coaches.
No final decision has been made on whether or not the East Londoners will appoint a new manager, though this episode - viewed as an unnecessary step by some within the club - has only dented Moyes' hopes of a new deal.
Talks between the manager and chairman David Sullivan are scheduled for after the final game of the season.
The Hammers were ready to offer the former Everton manager a new contract in December after a fine run of form, but a dip in performances caused talks to stall.
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Moyes has said that changes would need to be made at the London Stadium for him to want to stay on beyond his four-and-a-half years at the club.
