Everton are reportedly targeting Thomas Tuchel as Ronald Koeman’s replacement.
David Unsworth has taken temporary charge of the Blues for this week’s trip to Chelsea in the wake of the Dutchman’s departure on Monday afternoon.
But the Goodison Park hierarchy are already said to be looking to former Borussia Dortmund manager Tuchel as Koeman’s long-term successor.
The 44-year-old won the German Cup during his final season in charge at Signal Iduna Park and left amid a fall-out with the Bundesliga club’s bosses.
However the Daily Mirror claim that Everton are keen to land Tuchel with the highly-rated coach currently available despite interest from Bayern Munich.
He was linked with a move to the Bavarian giants following Carlo Ancelotti’s sacking early this month before Jupp Heynckes was installed as caretaker.
Tuchel succeeded current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp at the Dortmund helm in 2015 and guided the club to the Champions League quarter finals.
Several other contenders have emerged with Unsworth understood to be keen to convince Everton’s hierarchy of his credentials a long-term manager.
Goodison officials are expected to allow the former defender to stay in charge of the team until the forthcoming international break next month.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche and Watford’s Marco Silva have also been touted for the vacant hot seat.