Former Everton forward Andy Gray has admitted he is 'surprised' by supporters who want to see Rafael Benitez as their next manager.
Benitez was discussed at board level by Everton but Nuno Espirito Santo remains the overwhelming favourite to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.
Gray appeared on a podcast with Richard Keys this week after the latter produced a bizarre five-man shortlist - which included ex-Wales and Blackburn Rovers chief Mark Hughes - for Everton to consider.
When asked if Benitez was the right candidate for the position, Gray replied: "No. Not for me. If he was the best coach in the world I'd have to think about it but I don't think he is now.
"I don't want him to be Everton manager. His football is not brilliant. He's very pragmatic. We know that.
"He won two titles in Spain with Valencia being very pragmatic. We saw the kind of job he was doing with Newcastle. The Newcastle fans love him and think he was sensational, I didn't see it.
"I hope we don't go down that route. And it surprises me a little when I listen to a lot of Evertonians who think maybe we could or maybe we should. No, he would be way down.
"If he was the greatest coach in the world and he was available I'd have to swallow it."
The former Sky Sports duo also considered Steven Gerrard.
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The Liverpool legend has led Rangers to a first Scottish Premiership title in a decade and was tentatively linked with the Goodison Park hot-seat.
Gray continued: "It's different. He's young, talented and with a future. Would Steven entertain Everton having just left Liverpool three years ago?"
Keys replied: "I think the timing would be wrong. I think he would. But I think he wants to have a run at Europe with Rangers."
