Chris Coleman's future as Fulham manager again appears to be shrouded in uncertainty after it emerged that a sports agency had been approached to sound out possible replacements for the Welshman. It is understood the agency was tasked with head-hunting a manager of repute before the end of the season and, according to a source, "they have not been told to stop head-hunting and the brief is still on their desk".

Reports suggesting Coleman's position might be under threat first surfaced in March although a victory over Chelsea staved off any immediate danger and a 12th-place finish suggested his future at the club was secure. However, it is known that members of the Fulham board have not been enamoured with his backroom staff, particularly the assistant manager Steve Kean, prompting Coleman to launch a belligerent defence of his coaching team.

Any further unrest between the manager and boardroom could play into the hands of Crystal Palace. The Championship club are searching for a manager in the wake of Iain Dowie's exit last week.