George Best's doctor has warned the former footballer is "coming to the end of the long road of his ill-health" and has revealed that his organs are to be donated.
Professor Roger Williams said the 59-year-old could die at any time.
"I'd be very surprised if he survived another 24 hours," Prof Williams said.
"He's still alive, he's still having standard medical care and treatment but I have to tell you that his hours are numbered now.
"It's all very upsetting for all of us who have looked after him."
Prof Williams said Best was not conscious and was not suffering any pain.
The 59-year-old has been on a life support machine in Cromwell Hospital in west London since Friday.
He was taken to intensive care after suffering a severe setback and a lung infection.
Doctors had been hoping for an improvement after his condition deteriorated on Wednesday but Best suffered a terrible night.
Several members of his family are at the hospital - including his son Calum and father Dickie.
"I think they accept what is going to happen," Prof Williams said.
The former Manchester United and Northern Ireland star was admitted to hospital on October 1 with flu-like symptoms and earlier this month suffered a kidney infection.
Best, who has battled alcoholism for years, had a liver transplant in 2002
