Everton look set to have a new manager in place by the time they visit Newcastle United in between Christmas and new year, with Carlo Ancelotti close to agreeing a deal.
The Toffees are due at St James' Park for a Premier League clash on Saturday, December 28 for what should be a close festive affair.
Former Newcastle striker Duncan Ferguson has been in charge of the Everton first-team since Marco Silva was sacked at the beginning of December.
But while 'Big Dunc', who is still a popular figure on Tyneside, has overseen a home win over Chelsea and Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United, the Merseyside club now appear set to make a permanent appointment ahead of the Christmas fixtures.
Ancelotti is reportedly in Liverpool to negotiate a deal to take over at Goodison Park, with the ex-Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea boss in line for a shock move back to the Premier League.
The Italian was sacked by Napoli earlier this month, but looks set to make a quick return to management.
Should he take the reigns at Everton, it won't be the first time he has sat in the St James' Park dugout, as he was in charge of Chelsea for the 1-1 Premier League draw back in November 2010.
The Magpies took the lead that day thanks to a sixth-minute goal from a certain Andy Carroll, with Salomon Kalou levelling for the visitors just before the break.
United had won 4-3 at Stamford Bridge earlier that season in a dramatic League Cup tie, while the Premier League return fixture in May of that season ended 2-2 thanks to goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Steven Taylor.
