Slaven Bilic is facing a fresh fight to keep his job as West Bromwich Albion boss ahead of Saturday’s pivotal clash against Newcastle.
The Baggies are currently 19th in the Premier League, winning just one of their 11 games since returning to the top-flight.
And Bilic’s role as head coach is understood to be growing increasingly uncertain as he prepares his team for the crucial visit to St James’ Park, which will be key towards whether the Croatian keeps his job.
Sources claim defeat against Steve Bruce’s side will leave Bilic at serious risk of the axe ahead of the festive calendar.