Everton boss Marco Silva is braced to lose his trusted No2 Joao Pedro Sousa.
The Portuguese coach is wanted by FC Famalicao for next season and a deal is now looking likely.
Silva is preparing for Sousa's expected departure and plans are in place to find his replacement should he leave.
The Everton boss would be keen to bring in a new assistant who has knowledge of the English game.
Sousa, who has worked with Silva at all of the clubs he has managed, has long-held managerial ambitions of his own and the Everton boss knew he would lose him eventually.
And though a deal with the newly promoted and ambitious Famalicao has not been confirmed, Silva is expecting the move to happen.
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Sousa followed Silva to Goodison last summer along with goalkeeping coach Hugo Oliveira, technical scout Antonis Lemonakis and fitness coach Gonçalo Conceição.
