Everton’s search for a new manager has taken a further twist after it emerged that key target Unai Emery is now available for a knock-down fee.
The Blues are keen to appoint a replacement for former boss Roberto Martinez in the coming weeks, and have shortlisted the highly-rated 44-year-old alongside Dutch duo Ronald Koeman and Frank De Boer as a potential solution to the vacant role.
Emery, who impressed the Goodison hierarchy during the La Liga team’s run to a third consecutive Europa League title, is expected to speak to Blues representatives about the prospect of a summer move.
And a bid to lure for the ex-Valencia head coach could now be of even greater interest for Everton, with Seville-based radio station Canal Sur reporting that the Sevilla manager can leave Sevilla for just £1.5m from June 1st.
The three-time Europa League winner’s contract contains a clause that sees his release fee drop from €8m (£6m) to just €2m (£1.5m) as of today, making a move all that more attractive for new Blues backer Farhad Moshiri.
Everton have also been linked with an ambitious swoop for Emery’s club colleague, Monchi, as the club seek to revamp their management structure.
The Daily Telegraph writes that Iranian billionaire Moshiri is plotting an attempt to install the Spanish supremo in the new role of Director of Football after the Sevilla supremo declared his desire to quit in search of pastures new on Monday.
But following a day of negotiations, Sevilla have rejected the Spaniard’s request for an early release from his contract.
Monchi, whose full name is Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo, is also a target for Manchester United and Real Madrid in light of his excellent record in the transfer market, which has seen the Andalusian side achieve repeated success in Europe despite the sales of several important players.
Sources in Spain suggest that Verdejo may still exit the Sanchez Pizjuan over the close season, however, Everton and other interested parties would have to buy out his contract, worth a reported £3.8 million in order to make the switch possible.