Sunderland boss Gus Poyet faces crunch talks with owner Ellis Short in the next 48 hours.

The Black Cats are in crisis after their thrashing at home to Aston Villa.

The Daily Star says Short sacked Martin O'Neill two years ago replacing him with Paolo Di Cano when they were in a similar position.

Club sources claim Short is currently reluctant to swing the axe, although he is aware that Poyet - who became a hero by saving the club from relegation and taking them to Wembley last season - is rapidly losing the support of fans.

That though has just as much to do with the fact that there is a lack of quality managers currently available.