Everton are assessing Rafael Benitez as a potential managerial appointment.
Benitez has emerged as a shock candidate for the Goodison Park hot seat following Carlo Ancelotti’s unexpected defection to Real Madrid last week.
Ironically the Spaniard replaced the most-recent Blues boss at the Bernabeu in 2015 and history will repeat itself if he becomes the club’s preferred choice.
He ended a two-year spell with Chinese club Dalian earlier this year due to concerns for his family’s health and well-being in relation to the pandemic.
However his potential inclusion in the race to become Everton manager is expected to raise eyebrows following a prominent spell in charge of Liverpool.
The 61-year-old won a Champions League and FA Cup in a six-year spell at Anfield before being sacked in 2010 by the club’s erstwhile American owners.
Benitez is still highly regarded by Liverpool supporters and has set down roots in the local area with his family since arriving from Valencia in May 2004.
If appointed, he would become the first-ever coach to take charge of both Merseyside clubs but the move is likely to levels cause consternation.
He previously drew the ire of Goodison chiefs in 2007 by referring to them as a ‘small club’ in a post-match interview following a goalless derby draw.
Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is continuing to assess several other options including former managers Roberto Martinez and David Moyes.
Ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, Brighton’s Graham Potter and Christophe Galtier, who steered Lille to a Ligue 1 title last season, are also in the frame.