Paulo Fonseca is reportedly on the verge of becoming Everton manager.
Former England boss Sam Allardyce remains most likely to succeed Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park but Fonseca has emerged as a left-field choice.
The Portuguese coach excelled in his homeland with Porto and Braga before guiding Shakhtar Donestk to a league and cup treble in his first season in charge.
Prior to joining the Ukrainian outfit, Fonseca had previously emerged as a potential option for the Blues before their eventual appointment of Koeman.
But O Jogo claim that the 44-year-old is again under consideration by the Goodision hierarchy as they seek to arrest their current on-field slide.
His Shakhtar side are currently on course to reach the Champions League’s knock-out stage, sitting second in Group F behind leaders Manchester City.
Under-23 coach David Unsworth will continue to take charge for Wednesday’s visit of West Ham in what is likely to be his final game as caretaker.
Allardyce is expected to be announced as Koeman’s replacement despite ruling himself out of the running for the job less than a fortnight ago.
The veteran Premier League boss, 63, claimed that a lack of interest from the Everton board prompted his original decision to withdraw.
“As we sit here I believe the board are talking to a few people and talks are ongoing but nothing finalised with anybody,” said Unsworth.
“So I continue to do what I have been doing since asked five weeks ago: pick a team and prepare a team.
“Until someone tells me differently I will continue to do what I have done for the last five weeks.
“Sam is a top manager but it would be wrong for me to talk of individuals. I have seen the names banded about. All are top managers.
“Whether there is truth in some or all or none I do not know. Whoever gets the honour has my backing.”