Brendan Rodgers might have managed Merseyside rivals Liverpool but his excellent spell at Celtic has put him in Everton’s sights.
Five days after Ronald Koeman was given his marching orders by Everton, we are no closer to finding out who could replace the Dutchman in the Goodison Park hotseat.
A diverse range of highly-rated coaches have been linked with the role in recent days. But, with Sean Dyche and Marco Silva both playing down speculation and Carlo Ancelotti seemingly set on taking time out of the game following his sacking by Bayern Munich, it remains uncertain who could take the reins.
Speaking to the Daily Record’s Celtic podcast, however, journalist Ian Castles has claimed that none other than former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is one of Everton’s preferred candidates.
“I know that Everton are very interested in Brendan Rodgers. When they sacked Ronald Koeman, they didn’t actually have a primary candidate singled out,” Castles said.
“I think Brendan is certainly in the top three (candidates). Obviously there’s some personal history with Brendan having managed Liverpool but I don’t think Brendan would see that as a problem. After all, Liverpool sacked him.”
Top three
Castles admits that lifelong Celtic fan Rodgers would rather not jump ship in the middle of the season but expects the Northern Irishman to have a real dilemma on his mind.
“I think timing is against him. He doesn’t want to walk out on Celtic at this moment in his tenure and I think seeing out this season would be his preference. But opportunities don’t come along often at a club which has the potential, stature and history of Everton.”
Rodgers was sacked by Liverpool in the Autumn of 2015 after failing to build on a thrilling 2013/14 season in which Liverpool came within touching distance of a first ever Premier League title.
Since returning to football with Celtic at the start of last season, however, the 44-year-old has restored his reputation by leading The Hoops to a first domestic treble since 2001 while going the entire season undefeated on Scottish soil.
It’s only right, then, that Everton should give one of the most impressive homegrown coaches around some serious thought.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
