Seasons2020-21Rumour Mill

Everton consider Benitez for manager role

The Telegraph and the Daily Mail both report that the Spaniard is being considered as a "shock" candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who walked out on the Blues last week to rejoin Real Madrid.

Benitez has been out of work since leaving Chinese club Dalian Professional and hasn't managed in the Premier League since his challenging but generally underwhelming stint with Newcastle United between 2016 and 2019.

The 61-year-old has made no secret of his desire to return to managing in England and the fact that he still lives on Merseyside makes him an obvious target, if only to fill column inches as the club's search for a new head coach continues.

The suggestions in the media are that negotiations with Nuno Espirito Santo are proving to be "problematic" given his large backroom staff, the reason put forward by Crystal Palace for pulling the plug on their deal for the Portuguese.

David Moyes is also mentioned again as being an option but the reports claim that Farhad Moshiri won't jeopardise his good relationship with West Ham by muscling in on the Scot. Lille boss Christophe Galtier, Graham Potter and Roberto Martinez continue to be floated as alternatives.

Benitez's past association with Liverpool and his infamous "small club" jibe about Everton are seen by many Evertonians, however, as factors that would make his appointment as the Toffees' boss as a non-starter.

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