Roberto Martinez is being considered for a shock return to Everton following Rafa Benitez’s sacking.
The ECHO understands that Everton are exploring the possibility of bringing Martinez back to Goodison Park after Benitez became the fifth manager to be sacked by Farhad Moshiri.
Benitez was sacked by the Everton chief at the weekend after less than seven months in charge of the club.
The Spaniard enjoyed an encouraging opening to his reign, with the 2-0 home win over Norwich City on September 25 leaving his side fifth in the early standings with 13 points.
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But, while not helped by injuries and COVID cases, Everton's form has been dreadful since, amid growing fan unrest.
And their deeply disappointing defeat in the reverse fixture against Norwich on Saturday, means the Blues have now won just one of their last 13 Premier League matches.
Saturday’s defeat proved to be Benitez’s last act as Everton manager as he was relieved of his duties less than 24 hours after the final whistle blew at Carrow Road.
Martinez was in charge at Everton between 2013-16 and is understood to have support in the club’s boardroom and was under discussion in the summer before Benitez was hired.
The Catalan is currently in charge of the Belgium national team and it is claimed that his contract with the Red Devils includes a £2million release clause.
National media have suggested Everton may have proposed for Martinez to take the job on an interim basis given Belgium only have one friendly coming up, against Slovenia in March.
But the Daily Mail claims these are not terms he would be interested in, as he is keen on a permanent role.
However, it is being reported in Belgium that the Royal Belgian FA are currently reluctant to let Martinez depart at all given there are just 10 months to go before the start of the World Cup.
Reports have suggested Martinez "would welcome" a return to Goodison - but it is believed Belgium want stability ahead of the World Cup in Qatar and prising him away may prove difficult.
Martinez is also Belgium’s technical director after he agreed to take on the role when he signed a contract extension with the Royal Belgian FA back in 2020.
Martinez, who joined the Blues from Wigan Athletic following the Latics' FA Cup triumph and Premier League relegation, was the first of five managers Moshiri sacked in May 2016.
But the former Swansea City boss did lead the Blues to a record Premier League points total in 2014, as well as the semi-finals of the League Cup and FA Cup in 2016 during his time with the club.
Speaking on his Everton departure on Sunday night, Benitez said: “My love for this city, for Merseyside and its people, made me accept this challenge.
“We knew it wouldn't be easy, and that it was a big challenge, both emotionally and in terms of sport, but it is only when you are inside that you realise the magnitude of the task.
“We didn't only have to get results, but we also had to win over people's hearts. However, the financial situation and then the injuries that followed made things even harder.
"I am convinced that we would have been better once the injured players were back and with the arrival of the new signings…unfortunately circumstances have determined the results and it won't be possible to continue this project.”
