Carlo Ancelotti wants reassurances over Everton's transfer plans before taking over at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti, 60, is the leading contender to become Everton manager following Marco Silva's sacking.
The former Chelsea boss was relieved of his duties at Napoli just last week and was set to wait until the summer to return to management.
But he is intrigued by Everton's proposal and flew into London earlier this week for face-to-face talks with owner Farhad Moshiri.
An agreement is yet to be finalised with Ancelotti wanting assurances over the squad he will be working with before accepting the deal on the table.
Everton have spent big under Moshiri and are reluctant to do business in January, although they do need midfield cover for Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin.
Ancelotti wants to find out about their plans for next summer with director of football Marcel Brands leading their transfer strategy.
Brands has been tasked with cutting a hefty wage bill but Ancelotti is likely to want to bring in his own players.
Everton take on Leicester in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night at Goodison Park, with Duncan Ferguson remaining in interim charge.
The Toffees are back in action against Arsenal on Saturday and hope to have Ancelotti in charge for that encounter.
The Italian had been linked with the managerial vacancy in north London and in a remarkable turn of events, is set to come up against former Everton target and midfielder Mikel Arteta.
