Joey Barton believes that Everton would be gambling with their Premier League status in hiring Frank de Boer.
De Boer has emerged as one of the forerunners to succeed Roberto Martinez as Blues manager after leaving his post at Ajax just hours before the former Wigan boss’ sacking.
The 45-year-old recently made no secret of his desire to take the Goodison Park hot seat, but Burnley midfielder Barton, a boyhood Evertonian, feels that would be a mistake.
“You need tried and tested in the Premier League,” he told TalkSport.
“No disrespect to De Boer, he is a good manager, and will prove that in time, but I don’t think he’s for Everton now.
“If you take a chance on De Boer you could be sitting very close to a relegation battle next season.
“It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get an upturn in form.”