Everton reportedly do not have the funds available to sack manager Sean Dyche, should results not pick up.
The Toffees go into the Premier League weekend in the bottom three after another defeat last weekend to Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Everton have lost all three home matches so far this season, all by a 1-0 scoreline, after Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers also left Goodison with three points.
The only point that the side has collected so far this season came at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United shortly before the international break.
In usual circumstances, Dyche would probably start feeling the pressure after failing to pick up any wins against sides who could be fighting relegation with them this season.
However, after it was reported that Everton are only currently surviving thanks to loans from MSP Capital and the investment group 777, who are said to be close to taking over, the Daily Mail claims that Everton would not be able to afford another managerial sacking.
The report states that there is a clause in Dyche's contract which would entitle him to be paid for the full season if he is sacked.
With the takeover talks currently stalling, it is believed that Everton would not be able to afford the £4m that it would cost to pay out that clause.
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In addition to this, with Farhad Moshiri now stepping away from making any future decisions, there are questions over whether there is anybody at the club with the authority to make a decision of that magnitude.
Moshiri was the man who hired Dyche back in January, following the sacking of Frank Lampard with Everton sat in the relegation zone.
Dyche famously won his opening game at home to Arsenal, but it was a defeat in the same fixture last week which has fuelled rumours about his future.
Everton find themselves in the bottom three again ahead of this weekend's action where they will face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford were one of the teams that Everton beat, along with Arsenal, Leeds United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bournemouth to secure their survival last season, and Dyche could do with another one.
The Everton boss had to deal with minimal backing in the transfer window though, as the Toffees made two loan signings, a free transfer, and deals for Beto and Youssef Chermiti where very little, if any, of the transfer fee was paid up front.
Both previous managers who have taken the reins at Goodison since Carlo Ancelotti's departure for Real Madrid have lasted less than 12 months though, and the longer Everton spend in the bottom three, the closer Dyche may edge to the brink.
Andrew Delaney
