West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola was in crisis talks with Hammers co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan last night.

The Sunday Mirror says Zola emerged from last night's meeting still in ­position as West Ham boss.

Sullivan and co-chairman David Gold had lengthy discussions immediately after the defeat to Stoke City in the Upton Park boardroom. It was widely expected that defeat against the ­Potters would spark the ­termination of Zola's contract and the departure of assistant boss Steve Clarke.

Zola has three years ­remaining on his £1.9m a-year contract. Clarke is paid £1.1m a-year.