Former Burnley midfielder Joey Barton has said that Everton are "a bit of a mess" following the club's poor start to the season.

The Toffees are still seeking a replacement for former boss Ronald Koeman after sacking the Dutchman in October.

Barton's claim comes after The Times reported that a two-part BBC Panorama programme about the club's ownership will be aired next week.

"Everton are a club in a bit of a mess at this moment in time," Barton told talkSPORT.

"There is going to be a BBC Panorama programme on Sunday and Monday night which is about something that has gone on in the background of the club, in terms of who owns it. Usually, if you get a Panorama interview done on you it's not for positivity.

"I'm a mad keen Evertonian myself and this is not a great time for the football club. I don't know what the programme is going to show but it doesn't look great."

David Unsworth is in charge at Goodison Park until the club appoint a permanent boss, with Burnley's Sean Dyche and former Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce among the names reportedly being lined up for the role.