Everton were said to be interested in bringing Roberto Martinez back to Goodison Park as Frank Lampard struggles.
It was Belgian news outlet Het Belang van Limburg who revealed that the Toffees were considering an approach for the 49-year-old as they sit 18th in the Premier League.
Speculation regarding that topic intensified when Martinez resigned from his role in charge of Belgium following their shock Group Stage exit at the World Cup.
Now, however, Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright will have to look elsewhere.
What’s the story?
Well, along with Martinez, Fernando Santos also resigned from his role in charge of an international side at Portugal.
Now, the Spaniard is replacing the 68-year-old.
The Athletic believe Martinez has verbally agreed to take over the Portugal national team from Santos, putting an end to rumours that he may return to Everton.
During his time at Goodison Park, the Balaguer-born tactician won 62 of his 143 games in charge, drawing 37 while losing 44 as he guided the Toffees into the Europa League.
Everton have gradually got worse since his exit, and we believe a return for Martinez certainly would have been an improvement on Lampard, albeit not a significant one.
Nevertheless, Moshiri and Kenwright will now have to cross his name off their list.
Who Everton could turn to instead of Martinez
If Lampard continues to steer Everton towards the Championship, Moshiri and Kenwright will have to act.
The Toffees could target Sean Dyche – who is still unemployed after Burnley sacked him back in April – while the likes of Chris Wilder and Dean Smith are also available.
If we’re being ambitious, top coaches such as Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane are also there to be hired, although it would take a miracle for Everton to pull off another Carlo Ancelotti style coup right now.
Whatever happens, Everton must do something if Lampard fails to show any signs of improvement.
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