Everton's search for their next manager continues today with a new frontrunner emerging, according to sources.
Rafa Benitez was sacked after a poor start to the season, leaving Everton 16th in the table, with the final nail in the coffin coming after a defeat to Norwich City on Sunday.
The ECHO understands that Everton are exploring the possibility of bringing Roberto Martinez back to Goodison Park, however, a deal to bring him to the club has reportedly been stalled.
Other candidates have been mentioned, including Fabio Cannavaro, Frank Lampard and Graham Potter.
BREAKING NEWS: Farhad Moshiri writes open Everton letter with new manager plan and Rafa Benitez admission
Here are three candidates who have been linked with the job today, and the latest of their situation.
Who?
Duncan Ferguson
What?
Freelance transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke has reported that Duncan Ferguson is the leading frontrunner to become permanent manager.
Ferguson is a highly-respected coach within Everton's ranks, having worked at the club with the first-team for eight years.
Jordan Pickford also backed Ferguson as the 'ideal person' to manage them ahead of this weekend's game.
Pickford said: "Training has been brilliant, everyone respects him and he is the ideal person to lead us out on Saturday.
“The respect the players have for him, we will work our socks off for him and do everything he wants on the pitch. He will make sure we are hard to beat but will want us to get the ball in the box and create opportunities."
The caretaker boss will continue to take training as Everton prepare to face Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa on Saturday.
Who?
Wayne Rooney
What?
Derby County have reportedly “not received an approach from Everton” over Wayne Rooney, who it is claimed remains “100 per cent committed” to his current club.
The ex-Blue is one of several names linked with the vacant Everton job, following his impressive work with the Rams.
Rooney has been faced with a 21-point deduction and several financial issues at the club, but still remains in contention to survive relegation.
However the Derby County supporters’ group Black and White Together has issued a series of tweets about the club’s immediate future, some of which addressed Rooney’s future.
They stated: "The club has not received an approach from Everton for Wayne Rooney, his agent confirmed and so did [Wayne Rooney].
"He is 100 per cent committed to DCFC."
Who?
Jose Mourinho?
What?
One man who seemingly can be ruled out for the job is legendary Premier League manager Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese manager could not have been clearer in his commitment to Roma amid Everton reports. ‘
He said: "I would not change this project for any other and will not leave before the three years are up.
“In terms of emotion, passion, empathy, of being happy working with Roma, I say I am 11 out of 10. I am truly, very, very happy to be at a club where I feel the people trust me. I couldn’t be happier than this.
“In football terms, playing to finish between fourth and eighth place is obviously not what I want, but this is a moment of a different project for me and we will be better off next season.
“I won’t deny in the first half I did feel frustrated, as our performance was horrible. Having said that, I am happy right now."
