Everton could be days away from hiring Rafa Benitez as new manager
Everton could appoint Rafa Benitez as their new manager by the end of the week “barring any unforeseen late hitches”, according to The Athletic.
This report contrasts with news coming out of the Liverpool Echo on Thursday morning which stated that the Toffees and Benitez were in “deep discussions” but the unveiling was not imminent.
Options are running out for Everton after recent target Lucien Favre looks to be joining Crystal Palace, according to Fabrizio Romano.
All eyes therefore turn back towards former Liverpool boss Benitez, who would be one of the most divisive appointments in the club’s history.
Sooner than expected
The Spaniard has caused quite a stir among Evertonians due to his six-year history with arch-rivals Liverpool where he won an FA Cup and UEFA Champions League as manager.
The 61-year-old left Anfield more than a decade ago, going onto the likes of Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea before a recent three-year stint in the Premier League with Newcastle United.
It has been more than three weeks since Carlo Ancelotti left Goodison Park to take up a surprise opportunity as Real Madrid’s new boss.
With much of the squad set to return for pre-season training on July 5, time is ticking to get someone in the door in order to establish a plan for the upcoming season.
His fiery persona made him notorious among rival Premier League managers during his time at Anfield, even calling Everton a “small club” after a Merseyside derby in 2007.
The former Valencia boss has since retracted those comments, possibly because he knows exactly where his future lies.
On football pedigree alone, Benitez would be a solid acquisition for almost any club. However, there is much more for fans to consider in this instance.
In ther Everton news, Don Hutchinson is dismayed at Benitez reports and urges the Blues to appoint Graham Potter.
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