Everton have parted company with manager Rafa Benitez.
Former Newcastle United boss Benitez had come under increasing pressure at Goodison Park after a poor run of results.
Saturday's 2-1 defeat to then bottom side Norwich City appeared to have sealed his fate, with the Everton hierarchy making the decision to remove him from his position.
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A statement from the Toffees read: "Everton Football Club can confirm the departure of Rafael Benitez as first team manager.
"Benitez, who joined Everton in June 2021, has left the Club with immediate effect.
"An update on a permanent replacement will be made in due course."
Everton are due on Tyneside on February 8, Newcastle's next home match and the first for the Magpies after the transfer window shuts on January 31.
The Merseyside outfit currently sit seven points ahead of Eddie Howe's side, with a game in hand.
Benitez famously brought Newcastle back from the Championship in 2017, but left the club in the summer of 2019 after being frustrated by a lack of backing in the transfer market from then owner Mike Ashley.
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