Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed that Everton would be making a mistake if they replaced David Unsworth.

The 44-year-old, who has been in charge of the Under-23s since 2014, was given the first-team reins on a temporary basis following the sacking of Ronald Koeman last month.

In that time, Unsworth has overseen three defeats and one win, which was claimed prior to the international break when the Toffees came from behind to secure a 3-2 victory over Watford.

Hornets boss Marco Silva has been heavily linked to the position, but Merson believes that it would be too disruptive to bring in a new face.

"Everton had two weeks over the international break to get the man they wanted and they didn't do it. You can't do it now," the Daily Star quotes the former Arsenal player as saying.

"There are too many games coming up in quick succession. A new man won't have the time to put his stamp on it or work on anything in training.

"Unsworth has just masterminded a huge comeback win over Watford. That doesn't happen if Ronald Koeman is still in charge. They've got to give him a chance now. Everton go to Crystal Palace today and if they stop Wilfried Zaha, then they win the game."

As it stands, the Merseyside outfit sit 15th in the Premier League table, two points adrift of the relegation zone.