Last updated on .From the section Football

Fans have become increasingly unhappy with Martinez

Roberto Martinez will be sacked as Everton manager - and an official announcement by the Premier League club could come in the next few hours.

Wednesday's 3-0 loss at Sunderland looks certain to be the 42-year-old Spaniard's final game in charge.

The former Swansea and Wigan boss could even go before Thursday's end of season awards ceremony, at which fans were planning to demand his dismissal.

Martinez was appointed as successor to David Moyes in June 2013.

He has three years left on a contract reported to be worth around £4m a year.

The Toffees are currently 12th in the Premier League table but have won just one of their last 10 league games.

They finish their season at home to relegated Norwich City on Sunday.

The agent of Dutch coach Frank de Boer, who has just stepped down at Ajax, has stated he would be interested in the Everton job if it became available.

Southampton's Ronald Koeman and Manchester City's Manuel Pellegrini have also been linked with the club.

Everton's board, led by new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright, have remained silent on Martinez's future.

It had been expected they would wait until the end of the season before conducting a review.

Everton have produced three dismal away performances in succession in the Premier League, losing 4-0 at Liverpool, 3-1 at newly-crowned champions Leicester City and 3-0 at Sunderland on Wednesday.

They also lost the FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United.

In addition, Martinez has presided over the worst home record in Everton's history this season, losing eight of their 18 games so far.

They have won only five league matches at Goodison Park, with two of those coming against relegated Aston Villa and Newcastle United..

Martinez's team are 12th in the table but have won just once in their last 10 league games

Martinez, who took over when Moyes left for Manchester United, guided Everton to fifth place with 72 points in his first campaign - a club record in the Premier League era - but the Toffees managed just 47 the following season, finishing 11th.