Nuno Espirito Santo’s future at West Ham United has once again come under scrutiny.

The Portuguese is used to having his job called into question at the London Stadium.

Nuno remained in command throughout the summer, despite overseeing the backend of a disastrous campaign the previous season.

West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League could have provided an opportunity for a fresh start, but Nuno was deemed the finest candidate for the job.

The former Wolves manager’s CV backs this up, although the Irons have had a dismal start to their first season back in the second division.

Back-to-back losses at home to Southampton and then West Brom have only added to doubts about Nuno’s suitability.

How much would it cost West Ham to fire Nuno Espirito Santo?

West Ham’s 3-1 loss to West Brom on Saturday means the Irons have only two wins in seven games in all competitions, with three defeats.

Nuno’s side is in ninth place ahead of a midweek match against Cardiff City, who have a decent home record.

While it is true that the complexion can change in a moment, with the gap to second place being ‘just’ four points, West Ham were projected to finish in the top two with minimal difficulty.

If those in charge at the London Stadium decide to pull the plug before the season goes too far, it will come at a great cost.

In the summer, West Ham had the option of sacking Nuno without paying any compensation under a clause in his contract if he was relegated, which happened.

Claret and Hugh remark that a cost of £10 million may now be needed to get rid of Nuno and all of his backroom staff members.

While there is no official amount, firing Nuno and those around him, as well as hiring a replacement, will not be inexpensive.

And with Premier League riches no longer available, and promotion at the first time no longer a guaranty, Irons chiefs will undoubtedly not entertain a move anytime soon on that premise.