Everton are yet to make any contact with Rafa Benitez but his name has been discussed by the club's decision-makers.
The 61-year-old has been talked about by Farhad Moshiri and the Everton board of directors as they continue their search for Carlo Ancelotti's replacement at Goodison Park.
Everton are now into the second week of their managerial hunt following the shock exit of the Italian last Tuesday and no appointment is on the cards.
The Blues are refusing to rush their decision and continue to discuss their shortlist of candidates with the ECHO told a stand-out hopeful has yet to emerge.
Contact has been made with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, who looked to be heading to Crystal Palace before talks reportedly collapsed this week.
Brighton boss Graham Potter remains of interest to Everton while Lille's title-winning boss Christophe Galtier continues to be linked with the job at Goodison.
And Benitez, who managed Liverpool between 2004-10, is another who has been talked about by Everton's power-brokers but it remains to be seen if the Blues approach the Spaniard about replacing Ancelotti.
Benitez, who left Newcastle United in 2019, is eager to return to the Premier League.
