Sources: Preston North End and Hibernian set sights on Steve Evans after sack update
Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans is being eyed by Hibernian and Preston should either club change managers, sources have told Football Insider.
David Gray is coming under increasing pressure at Hibs after Thursday's Edinburgh derby defeat to Hearts, which was the club's fifth straight home defeat in the league.
Meanwhile, Preston chief Paul Heckingbottom's position is also under scrutiny, with the club bottom of the table having lost all four Championship games this term.
Evans, formerly of Leeds and Rotherham, is understood to have admirers within the corridors of power at Easter Road and Deepdale, having transformed Bristol Rovers' fortunes.
Rovers have won 14 of their last 18 games under Evans, picking up more points than any other side in the division in that time, while they have lost just twice in that run.
Evans has guided Bristol Rovers to the top of League Two, and the club are now aware of growing interest in the Scot's services as a result.
Why is Steve Evans catching the eye at Britol City?
When Evans took charge at Bristol Rovers last December, the club were on a dismal run of 10 straight defeats and were stranded in the League Two relegation zone.
However, the boss steered the club away from danger to comfortably avoid dropping out of the EFL and secured a 14th-place finish last season.
This season, their remarmable run of form has continued, and his ongoing success in League Two has caught the eye of many of his long-term admirers in England and Scotland.
Evans, 63, has previous experience in the Championship and would be backed to make the step up again, while a return to his native Scotland could prove tempting.
With both Hibs and Preston keeping a close eye on his situation as they weigh up their own manager's futures, concerns are beginning to grow at Bristol Rovers.
The League Two club hope to keep hold of their boss and continue on their remarkable run of form, with ambitious plans for the season, but may struggle should his suitors come calling.
What is the latest on David Gray's future at Hibernian?
Hibernian's interest in poaching Evans from Bristol Rovers has come amid ongoing pressure on Gray's future at Easter Road, following a dismal start to the new season.
Football Insider reported on 4 September that Hibs fans have been calling for Gray to be sacked immediately following their Edinburgh derby defeat against Hearts.
The Leith side were easily beaten at Easter Road, with James Wilson, Laurent Mendy and Josh McPake all netting for the visitors much to the home crowd's frustrations.
Supporters have now called for Gray to be sacked after Hearts won their third consecutive Edinburgh derby, with Hibs now on a run of five straight home defeats in the SPFL.