Diego Simeone has emerged as shock managerial target for Everton.
A decision on the Blues’ replacement for Ronald Koeman is likely to be reached this weekend following a meeting of the club’s hierarchy.
Sam Allardyce remains the forerunner to succeed the Dutchman, who was sacked at the end of last month following a disastrous start to the season.
However Simeone is reportedly thought to be high on majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri’s list of potential candidates for the Goodison Park hot seat.
The Argentine coach recently signed a new deal with Atletico Madrid, who are currently fourth in La Liga, which safeguarded his future until summer 2020.
However Everton’s hopes of prising Simeone away from Atleti, where he guided them to one Spanish title and two Champions League finals, are slim.
Allardyce has denied holding talks with the Goodison hierarchy but is understood to have support from the club’s director of football Steve Walsh.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche and current caretaker David Unsworth are both under consideration for the vacant role but still considered outsiders.