Everton have sacked manager Roberto Martinez following growing pressure from supporters, according to reports.
The Spaniard's job has been under threat for the past few months due to a disappointing campaign, which will end with the club finishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Protests have continued to take place at Goodison Park in the midst of Everton's barren run of form, with just one win in eight - including an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United - leaving the 42-year-old on the brink.
Martinez was expected to remain in charge until after Sunday's final game of the season at home to already-relegated Norwich City but, according to Sky Sports News and BBC Sport, the Everton hierarchy have taken the decision to wield the axe.
The Toffees are due to host their end-of-season awards ceremony in the city on Thursday evening, where further fan protests were expected, but Martinez - appointed as successor to David Moyes in 2013 - will not be present.
An FA Cup-winning manager with Wigan Athletic, Martinez still had three years left to run on a contract that is reported to be worth around £4m a year, meaning that a settlement package still has to be agreed before an official announcement is made.
Frank de Boer is the early favourite to be appointed as the Merseyside outfit's new boss, having stepped down from his position as Ajax manager.
Daniel Lewis
