Onda Madrid says the two heavyweights are at odds over recent signings Diego Costa, Cleber Santana and Fabiano Eller, all players signed on Pitarch's recommendation and not favourites of Aguirre. The Mexican has already offloaded Diego to Celta Vigo, while Cleber and Eller didn't get a first team chance until injuries hit Aguirre's squad.

The rift has only widened during the winter market, with Pitarch angry over Aguirre's inability to man-manage Maniche, who eventually left for Inter Milan. Aguirre, meanwhile, asked for a defensive signing last month - a request that Pitarch ignored.