Everton are exploring the possibility of bringing Roberto Martinez back to Goodison after sacking Rafa Benitez.
Benitez was dismissed as Blues boss on Sunday after less than seven months in charge of the squad.
Everton lost 2-1 at Norwich City on Saturday to extend a miserable run of form to one win in 13 league matches.
And the defeat was the last act for Benitez who was axed less than 24 hours later.
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Martinez, who was in charge at Everton between 2013-16, is the early favourite to replace him - but prising him from his job as Belgium boss will be difficult in a World Cup year.
Martinez has support in the Everton boardroom and was under discussion in the summer before Benitez was hired.
The appointment of the Catalan would, however, see the Blues move from one contentious appointment to another, given how toxic the atmosphere at Goodison became during the final weeks of Martinez’s reign.
Martinez was dismissed after the penultimate game of the 2015-16 campaign but holds the club record for points won in a single Premier League season, with 72 in 2013-14.
