Steve Walsh's position as director of football at Everton is under increasing pressure after dismal returns on the club’s £239million recruitment drive.
The former Leicester City chief scout had appeared vulnerable after Ronald Koeman was sacked, but he remained at the club and was heavily involved in the process of appointing Sam Allardyce as Everton’s new manager.
Yet more questions have been asked of Walsh, particularly after the signing of Cenk Tosun, who cost more than £20million but has not adjusted to the league.
‘We watched him in the Champions League and we think he has the attributes that will be good for us,’ Walsh said at last month’s AGM.