Everton hold further talks with ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez over managerial vacancy

Everton hold further talks with Rafa Benitez over managerial vacancy as Farhad Moshiri eyes ex-Liverpool boss as safety net should pursuit of Nuno Espirito Santo fall through

  • Everton have held further talks with Rafa Benitez over their managerial vacancy 
  • The Toffees are searching for a successor to Carlo Ancelotti following his exit 
  • Nuno Espirito Santo is the frontrunner to take the Toffees hot seat this summer
  • However, amid a slow down in talks, Farhad Moshiri has spoken with Benitez 


Everton have held further talks with Rafa Benitez about becoming their new manager as a safety net after the pursuit of Nuno Espírito Santo slowed down.

Santo, the Portuguese, received a written offer from Everton owner Farhad Moshiri last weekend after the Iranian decided the former Wolves manager was the man he wanted to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.

It had been envisaged that Everton would have been in a position to announce Nuno before the end of the week but the situation has not moved as quickly as expected and that has opened the door for ex-Liverpool boss Benitez.

Nuno worked miracles with Wolves before his departure this summer

Everton have held further talks with Rafa Benitez (L) as talks with Nuno Espirito Santo (R) stall

Farhad Moshiri (R) has spoken with Benitez, who is seen as a safety net for former Wolves boss

Farhad Moshiri (R) has spoken with Benitez, who is seen as a safety net for former Wolves boss

Moshiri spoke to Benitez early last week but there has subsequently been more contact as he looks for back-up plans should the protracted attempt to land Nuno not come off.

The 47-year-old had initially appeared destined to join Crystal Palace earlier this month, only for the Eagles to pull the plug on their pursuit as a result of a breakdown in talks. 

Moshiri turned his attention to Nuno after Everton’s bid to lure David Moyes back to Goodison Park failed, with the Scot agreeing a contract extension with West Ham having guided the Hammers to sixth place last season.  

Fan reaction may be divided should the Toffees swoop for Benitez, given the Spaniard’s connections with arch rivals Liverpool. The 61-year-old had also previously labelled Everton a ‘small club’. 

Moshiri is searching for Carlo Ancelotti's successor after his return to Real Madrid this month

Moshiri is searching for Carlo Ancelotti’s successor after his return to Real Madrid this month