Everton are reportedly eyeing a shock summer move for former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez.
Martinez is increasingly destined to leave Goodison Park this summer after losing the support of the club’s core fan base, who protested following last weekend’s win over Bournemouth, in a disappointing season.
And the Daily Mail claim that Blues officials have identified Newcastle boss Benitez as having the credentials necessary to succeed in the role.
Benitez remains well-respected in the game and won La Liga with Valencia before a successful spell with Everton’s local neighbours Liverpool that included a Champions League trophy in 2005.
The Spaniard still has ties to Merseyside, with his family still living on the Wirral, which has prompted speculation he could be interested in succeeding compatriot Martinez.
His current club are embroiled in a three-way battle for Premier League survial with Sunderland and Norwich, and the decorated ex-Real Madrid manager may well leave the Tyneside club if they are relegated to the Championship.
It remains to be seen if Benitez, who has a difficult relationship with Everton supporters after labelling the Blues a “small club” following a Merseyside derby back in 2007, would welcome a move to a former adversary.
A host of other top names, including Germany coach Joachim Low and outgoing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini have been linked with the post in recent weeks, casting Martinez’s already uncertain future into even greater doubt.