Crystal Palace insist Alan Pardew's job is safe despite five straight defeats

Crystal Palace insist Alan Pardew’s position is not under immediate threat despite five straight defeats.

A report on Tuesday claimed Pardew faces the sack if Palace lose at Swansea on Saturday.

Pardew held talks with the club’s major shareholders during the international break and the club say he retains their support.

Pardew and chairman Steve Parish flew to New York to meet American co-owners David Blitzer and Josh Harris where they addressed the dismal run that leaves Palace one point above the relegation zone.

Palace lost 2-1 to Manchester City on Saturday and face a crucial game away against bottom side Swansea.

Harris, owner of NBA franchise the Philadelphia 76ers and NHL side the New Jersey Devils, was at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Pardew said last week Harris and Blitzer, who each bought an 18 per cent stake in Palace last year, are “not looking for a short-term fix” and are “very supportive”.

But the 55-year-old boss will be aware results need to improve quickly with Palace having managed just five wins in the League in 2016. Their points per game ratio of 0.71 this year is the worst in England's top four divisions.

Pardew knows Palace are underperforming but has pointed to the changes he is trying to implement this season. Palace have moved from a counter-attacking team into a more possession-based side but results have so far been unconvincing.

Palace have failed to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this season and their defensive shortcomings are proving costly.

They have conceded nine goals from set-pieces - more than any other team in the top-flight – and defeat at Swansea would see them dragged further into danger.

After the Swansea game, Palace host Southampton and then visit Hull before home games with Manchester United and Chelsea before Christmas.

Pardew discussed plans for the January transfer window with Parish, Harris and Blitzer during their meeting in America earlier this month, and is confident he will be given time to turn things around at Selhurst Park.

Pardew has described the Swansea game as “pivotal in our season”. He said: “You cannot hide from that. It is no good me saying it is just another game.”