Everton remain on the hunt for their new manager after the sudden departure of Carlo Ancelotti.
The now-former Blues boss left for Real Madrid in sudden circumstances at the start of this month, and now the club are looking for his replacement.
Ancelotti’s sudden departure now leaves the Blues' hierarchy searching for their sixth permanent manager in eight years.
Rafa Benitez has emerged as the top candidate for the job, but the club are yet to make a final decision on who will replace Ancelotti.
But whoever takes over will be looking to improve on Everton’s 10th place finish in the Premier League last season.
Here is our daily round-up of the latest pieces of gossip flying around over who could become the new Blues manager.
Everton 'go cold on Benitez'
Everton have reportedly ditched their efforts to bring in Rafael Benitez as their new manager.
The Spaniard was believed to have been close to the job after talks with the club last week.
But now talkSPORT’s Alex Crook is reporting that the Blues have listened to fans and have gone cold on the appointment.
He said: “Benitez to Everton looked quite close last week, but it’s all gone quiet.
“He was expecting a contract offer, but at the moment that contract offer doesn’t seem to have materialised.
“I guess we can only read between the lines and say that Everton’s owners would be foolish not to listen to the supporters.
“We’ve seen protests and all sorts of banners put up outside their training ground and stadium.
“I’d have to say that would be a little short sighted on behalf of Everton fans. Benitez has been there, got the t-shirt, I think he would be a good appointment at Everton if you can forget about the fact he won the Champions League with their arch rivals.”
Galtier 'set to join' Nice
Christophe Galtier is expected to be Nice manager in the next few days.
According to RMC Sport, via Sport Witness, Nice are paying Lille €2-3M compensation for Galtier after his title-winning campaign last season.
The report also adds that Everton are said to have made Galtier one of their “priorities” to replace Ancelotti but Galtier “perhaps expected better”.
Howe 'one of six candidates considered'
Eddie Howe is one of six new managers being considered for the vacant Everton manager’s job.
The ECHO understands that Benitez is the leading contender to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.
But according to Sky Sports, Howe, Nuno Espirito Santo, Benitez, Duncan Ferguson, Christophe Galtier have all been considered for the role.
The report from Sky also claims that the job has not been offered to any candidate at this point.
Bent backs Ferguson to succeed Ancelotti
Former Everton forward Marcus Bent believes that Duncan Ferguson should be given the chance to take the job at Goodison Park.
He told the Transfer Tavern : “Duncan’s been there under Ancelotti and the fans are going crazy about him going, not going crazy but obviously they were looking forward to him being there with the new stadium and stuff.
“But Duncan being behind him and knowing what he wants to achieve and wants to go forward with, I think Duncan would be amazing for the club, especially the passion and the thoughtfulness and the years that he’s been within the club. I think everyone respects him.”
