Middlesbrough could have to wait a fortnight for Terry Venables's decision if it does not come within the next 48 hours.
The Londoner left Teesside on Saturday night mulling over an intriguing offer from Boro chairman Steve Gibson and vowing to think it through fully before giving his answer.
It has been suggested that Boro are prepared to agree a compromise deal that would allow Venables to continue his involvement with the club and fulfil his contract with ITV, but that would also require talks with television bosses - meaning a further delay.
Gibson has promised not to rush the 58-year-old and insists that he will wait as long as it takes to get his man.
But if the pair do not have further talks by Wednesday, it could be two weeks before they have a chance to meet face-to-face again.
Venables has hinted that he will not need weeks to make up his mind after being persuaded to re-think his initial decision to go, but Gibson is so keen to keep the former England boss at the Riverside Stadium that he will not put any added pressure on him.
The club will be determined to resolve the situation as quickly as possible with season ticket sales likely to be affected if the uncertainty drags on, but they will be happy enough to wait for a positive answer rather than finding themselves back to square one if Venables finally opts to stick by his first thought.