Newcastle United are reportedly in "crisis talks" about whether to stick or twist with manager Steve McClaren.
The Magpies slumped to their third straight league defeat - and their eighth in 11 since Christmas - on Saturday to leave them 19th in the Premier League table and a point from safety.
With Swansea City now nine points clear in 16th, the relegation battle appears to be coming down to a race between Newcastle, Sunderland, Norwich City and Aston Villa.
McClaren insisted after the game that he will not resign but according to The Guardian, the Newcastle board are locked in discussions over whether to make the decision for him.
Among the contenders to replace McClaren are former Manchester United boss David Moyes, who is said to be "extremely interested" in the position, ex-Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez, Brendan Rodgers and Nigel Pearson.
Supporters voiced their dissatisfaction at McClaren's position throughout the 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth at St James' Park on Saturday.
Neil Wilkes
