Everton will stage a board meeting this week that is likely to determine Sam Allardyce's long-term future.
Allardyce signed an 18-month contract when he was appointed by major shareholder Farhad Moshiri last November but there has been persistent speculation around his position and his relationship with Everton supporters is tense.
Moshiri insisted Allardyce would provide 'strong leadership' after he convinced the 63-year-old to come out of retirement but Everton have struggled to find direction this season.
Club officials were left red-faced last week when a survey was sent out to season ticket holders in which they were asked to rate the former England manager's ability to lead the team.