Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat will leave the club after his side's clash against West Ham United no matter what the result at the Stadium of Light, according to a report.
The 68-year-old made the decision to remain with the Black Cats in the summer after initially spurning the chance to take full-time charge of the club following their survival run at the end of last season.
However, Sunderland are bottom of the Premier League and have failed to win a match in the top flight in seven attempts, including their 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last time out.
The Dutchman refused to confirm reports that he was poised to walk away from the club should they lose to the Hammers on Saturday in his pre-match press conference.
The Sun has claimed that Advocaat will step down from his role no matter what the outcome at the Stadium of Light, ending his seven months at the club.
Sam Allardyce has reportedly ruled himself out of the running to replace the 67-year-old, leaving Sunderland scrambling to find a replacement.
The Black Cats have had seven permanent managers since Ellis Short became chairman in 2008.
Simon Sinclair
