Former Hull City manager Steve Bruce is reportedly in the frame to replace Mark Hughes at struggling Stoke City.
The Potters have had a disastrous start to the new campaign and sit 19th in the table having amassed just two points from their opening six games, prompting speculation over Hughes's future.
According to the Sunday Express, the Stoke hierarchy are prepared to give Hughes more time but are already considering an approach for Bruce, who left Hull over the summer after guiding them back to the Premier League, should their fortunes not improve.
Hughes took over at the Britannia in May 2013 and has steered Stoke to a ninth-place finish in each of the three seasons since.
Following a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, Stoke next face a tough trip to Jose Mourinho's Manchester United next Sunday.
