Rafael Benitez is set to hold talks with Duncan Ferguson upon becoming Everton manager.
Discussions between Benitez and the Blues’ hierarchy are continuing this weekend with confirmation of his appointment due to arrive early next week.
He will become the first coach since 1892 to have taken charge of both Merseyside clubs when he is officially unveiled as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.
Among the ex-Liverpool manager’s early tasks is firming up his backroom team, with long-term ally Paco de Miguel expected to join as a fitness coach.
Benitez previously worked with De Miguel during his time at Anfield in addition to stints in charge of Inter Milan, Chelsea and Newcastle United.
But the 61-year-old is also expected to meet with Ferguson to explore the possibility of him remaining within the first-team setup at Goodison Park.
Ferguson took temporary charge of Everton for the intervening period between Marco Silva’s sacking and Ancelotti’s appointment in December 2019.
He presided over four games, winning the first in emphatic fashion against Chelsea before being installed as one of Ancelotti’s two assistant managers.
The 50-year-old has served under five different managers with his former club after being promoted to the senior ranks by Roberto Martinez in 2014.
Once confirmed, Benitez will become Everton’s fifth managerial change in as many years under the stewardship of their majority investor Farhad Moshiri.
But the Spaniard’s arrival at Goodison is already set against a backdrop of overt hostility following a succession of protests by disgruntled supporters.
Banners in opposition to Benitez’s appointment have been hung from the stadium while similarly disparaging graffiti appeared on Friday evening.