Phil Neville in line to replace Gus Poyet at Brighton

Neville has emerged as a leading contender to replace the Uruguayan, who is still the subject of an investigation from his club after he was suspended earlier this month, and the Everton captain is expected to be included on a shortlist if Poyet's departure is confirmed.

Poyet and his assistants, Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway, were all suspended by Brighton in May and a resolution is expected to be agreed next week, with the League Managers’ Association also involved in the inquiry.

The 45-year-old was told to stay away from the club shortly after their play-off semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace but Brighton are already making contingency plans for life without him, and have targeted Neville as a possible replacement.

Neville will fly out to join the England Under-21s training camp on Sunday ahead of the European Championship in Israel this month, and has recently completed his Uefa A licence course at St George’s Park.

He is believed to be keen on making a swift transition into management, though David Moyes could offer him a senior coaching position at Manchester United after the player’s exit from Everton. Neville had also been approached by Stoke City for a coaching role, before the appointment of Mark Hughes, but the prospect of a managerial job could be difficult for him to turn down.