A source close to Moyes, who asked to be kept anonymous to protect relationships, told The Athletic that the Scotsman was informed someone else would be stepping into the managerial berth at West Ham. Moyes put his phone down, mystified at the news that his six-month reign was coming to an abrupt end.

Jake O'Brien headed a last-gasp equaliser as Everton stretched their unbeaten Premier League run to nine games with a 1-1 draw against West Ham United in the 'David Moyes Derby' at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Everton manager David Moyes says it will be "difficult" to go up against some of the players he has "close bonds" with when he faces former club West Ham.