A report has suggested that Premier League club Everton have made a decision on their next manager amid links to Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.
Sky Sports reports that Rafa Benitez is close to filling the vacancy left by Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.
It’s asserted that he has become the number one choice for the Everton hierarchy, has held ‘positive talks’ with the club’s board and ‘appears set to return to the Premier League’.
If he is appointed, it will finally put to bed rumours linking Gerrard with the vacancy.
The Athletic claimed earlier this month that the Gers boss was on a shortlist of potential candidates but Bears weren’t buying it, primarily due to the fact that he spent the vast majority of his playing career with Everton’s biggest rivals, Liverpool, and has legend status at Anfield.
Partially because of his own ties to Liverpool, though, Benitez himself is a surprise choice.
He was in charge of the Reds between 2004 and 2010, overseeing Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup wins.
Over a decade has passed since then, but he’s still a very popular figure amongst Liverpool fans which automatically makes him a gamble for Everton.
Additionally, while it’s now asserted that he is their number one choice, the Toffees had reportedly been in talks with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, while former Everton manager David Moyes was also said to be a ‘frontrunner’ before he signed a new contract at West Ham.
In other news, Rangers have been dealt a possible transfer blow after a European club confirmed that they’re in negotiations with a reported Ibrox target.