Crystal Palace head coach Roy Hodgson‘s future is under scrutiny following a worrying run of one victory in eight matches.
The Eagles slumped to their fifth defeat in seven against Bournemouth on Wednesday night and were booed by their own supporters during the latest disappointment.
A supporter even hurled a missile at Hodgson after the 2-0 loss with police investigating the alleged incident.
The preferred scenario for key figures at Selhurst Park has been for Hodgson, whose contract expires in six months, to see out the season ahead of appointing their next boss in the summer.
In those circumstances, Palace believe they will have a wider pool of managers to choose from with many of the coaches on their radar currently in work.
A summer change would also allow Hodgson, who is hugely respected at Palace, to make a dignified exit.
Nottingham Forest head coach Steve Cooper, a long-term managerial target for Palace, remains on the club’s radar and has significant backing at the south London club.
Cooper is under huge pressure at the City Ground following a dismal run of one win in 11 matches, culminating in a 5-0 hammering at Fulham on Wednesday night.
If the Forest boss is dismissed, Palace may consider accelerating their long-term plan to replace Hodgson before the end of the season if they believe Cooper is obtainable.
Nevertheless, Mail Sport understands there is growing agitation behind the scenes at Palace over Hodgson’s position at the club amid growing supporter discontent.