Gus Poyet will reportedly be sacked by Sunderland this week after a poor run of results, which has left the Black Cats just above the Premier League relegation zone.

Sunderland slumped to a 4-0 home defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday, a result which caused thousands of fans to make for the exits at the Stadium of Light before half time.

According to The Telegraph, Poyet had hoped to convince club owner Ellis Short that he should be given time to atone for Saturday's loss.

However, it is thought that director of football Lee Congerton and the Sunderland board will move to sack the Uruguayan coach over the coming days.

Furthermore, Sky Sports News claims that Poyet is set to meet with the Black Cats hierarchy on Monday to discuss his future.

Poyet was appointed as manager of the club in October 2013.