Kevin Campbell reacts with Everton target Nuno reportedly set to join Crystal Palace
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell refuses to admit Everton have missed out on Nuno Espirito Santo but suggests it was always going to be difficult to hire the Crystal Palace-bound manager.
The Telegraph has reported on Tuesday that Nuno is on the verge of being announced as the new Palace manager despite being interviewed by the Blues.
Carlo Ancelotti’s shock exit last week led to Nuno being installed as one of the early frontrunners for the vacancy at Goodison Park.
However, Campbell believes it was never going to be an easy job due to Nuno already holding what have turned out to be positive talks with Palace first.
“I don’t think it’s a case of ‘missing out’, I think Nuno was speaking to Crystal Palace while Carlo Ancelotti was still there,” Campbell told Goodison News.
“Obviously Ancelotti then went and Nuno was in the frame for Everton but he was still in talks with Crystal Palace.
“I just think that when you’re trying to get someone in then you’re kind of snookered because other teams have already spoken to the manager.
“It’s very difficult to get someone to change their mind sometimes, especially someone who might have said, ‘you know what, I agree’. And then all of a sudden this happens, a manager goes and you’re trying to unpick something. It’s hard.
“He’s a good manager and will set Palace up right. He’s got to get to work there.”
Everton do not appear as though they’re close to appointing Ancelotti’s successor any time soon but Nuno would not have been a bad choice.
Not only did he win promotion with Wolves but he also took the Midlands club to the Europa League while spending a budget similar to what Everton would usually have to play with in the transfer market.
Nuno’s links with super-agent Jorge Mendes are likely to be benefit Palace a lot as they aim to rebuild in the summer.
In other Everton news, a journalist has made a massive claim about Kia Joorabchian’s involvement in the hunt for a new boss.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.