Rafa Benitez in contention to be next Everton manager

The evening papers every day seem to throw up a new cast of characters being linked to the vacant Everton manager position. With Nuno Espirito Santo back in contention now that his move to Crystal Palace has fallen through, yesterday we had two interesting names thrown into the mix.

Rafa Benitez is a controversial figure when Everton is concerned. As a former Liverpool manager, he is obviously the object of revulsion from Blues, and did not do himself any favours by referring to Everton as “a small club” back in 2007 during his tenure at Anfield. He has since tried to apologize for those comments and remains a resident of Merseyside with his family still firmly established here despite his later stints in Italy, Spain, back in England with Newcastle United and then most recently in China. When the Blues had sacked Marco Silva his name had come up as a possible successor but he ended up going to Dalian Professional while Carlo Ancelotti set up shop here.

Per the tabloids, who all seem to report the same juicy tidbits every night, Nuno has been problematic because agree on the financial packages for his entourage have been difficult to negotiate for both the Eagles and now the Blues.

As a result, majority shareowner Farhad Moshiri would like to speak to Benitez’ representatives. Also, former Blue David Moyes continues to be in the mix, but it looks like the Scot is close to signing a new deal with West Ham United and the Toffees do not want to jeopardize their relationship with the Hammers by approaching him.

One other name mentioned in the piece is familiar to Evertonians - former manager Roberto Martinez is also being considered, with the Spaniard currently at Euro 2021 with Belgium and expected to return to club football soon.

The other two names that continue to be mentioned are both intriguing and possibly progressive choices. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Graham Potter was the bookies favourite for a hot minute a couple of days ago, and Ligue 1 champions Lille’s manager Christophe Galtier is also being considered after a giantkilling season where he led his side to the league title ahead of more illustrious teams like Paris St Germain.

While many Evertonians might find it distasteful to have a former Liverpool manager in charge at Goodison Park, surely if he actually leads the Blues to silverware and consistently into the top six then all will very quickly be forgiven and forgotten.