Daniel Feliciano

Mon 17 January 2022 15:10, UK

Everton have made Roberto Martinez their ‘number one choice’ for the vacant managerial role, according to talkSPORT on Monday afternoon.

Everton sacked Rafa Benitez following defeat to Norwich on Saturday, leaving them in 16th place with just one win in 13 Premier League games.

The Toffees have now made their move for former boss Martinez to take over, with talkSPORT reporting that the current Belgium boss is now their ‘number one choice’ for the vacancy.

Martinez was the manager of Everton between 2013 and 2016 before leaving the club following a poor season at Goodison Park.

But after six years away, Sky Sports report that he is open to returning to the club although Belgium are blocking any move with them wanting him to be in charge for the World Cup at the end of the year.

Tough one

This is looking like a saga that could drag on for a little while longer now, with Martinez obviously keen on the return but Belgium not so keen.

Belgium have the Spaniard tied down to a contract through the tournament in November and December and after leading them to a number one ranking in the FIFA rankings, they expect him to see it through.

But with Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel and other key players all the wrong side of 30, it seems Martinez may be keen to move on early.

Martinez is unlikely to be a hugely popular appointment after the way it ended back in 2016, but his improvements as a manager are there for all to see and it may be worth another shot.

They will need to agree a deal with the Belgian FA first of all though, and that will be hard to do. Good luck convincing them he should be allowed to go before their best chance at a major tournament, ever.

In other Everton news, ‘Contacts in last hours’ – Everton make move for new manager ‘top of their list’ – report