Ange Postecoglou is among the managers being touted as a potential successor to Frank Lampard, whose long-term job prospects at Everton hang in the balance.
The Celtic manager, who has been linked with several Premier League vacancies already this season, is being seen as a contender to take over at Goodison Park if Lampard is relieved of his duties in the weeks ahead.
The former England midfielder is under enormous pressure following a 4-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night, which has dragged Everton further into a relegation battle. His team have won only one of their last 10 league games.
Lampard, who was appointed a year ago, reported for training early yesterday morning, had a meeting with senior figures at the club and will remain in charge of his team for their FA Cup tie against Manchester United tomorrow.
A stay of execution has effectively been granted, but if there is not an improvement soon, the situation is likely to be reviewed. After the fourth-round tie at Old Trafford, Everton have pivotal league matches against Southampton and West Ham United.
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In November, when Everton played a friendly against Celtic at the Sydney Super Cup, the Merseyside club were reported to be admirers of Postecoglou, who led his team to the Premiership title last season. With a nine-point lead this season, they are well on course to retain it.
Postecoglou is already being tipped by the bookmakers as a candidate to take over if Lampard loses his job. The Australian is high on a list that also includes Sean Dyche, David Moyes and the former Everton striker, Wayne Rooney, now in charge of DC United.
