Premier League transfer round-up: Everton make early signing
Everton legend Duncan Ferguson sensationally turned down Spanish giants Real Madrid amid reports that he is set to replace Rafa Benitez in the Toffees hotseat. The Merseyside outfit are widely expected to be preparing to sack Benitez only six months into his three-year contract following a string of disastrous performances.
Benitez trudged straight down the tunnel following Everton’s dismal 2-1 defeat by relegation-threatened Norwich on Saturday and reports immediately suggested that an emergency board meeting was set to take place to discuss his future.
Everton have won just once in their last 13 Premier League outings and Benitez’s reign has been narrated by strong supporter backlash.
The Spaniard was already an unpopular figure at Goodison Park due to his legendary status at fierce rivals Liverpool.
A positive start to the campaign fizzled out and reports that Benitez had fallen out with stars began to surface.
Everton could reportedly turn to Duncan Ferguson if they sack Rafa Benitez (Image: GETTY)
One of those was fans’ favourite Lucas Digne who secured an exit to Aston Villa last week. Benitez has already made three additions to his squad in the January transfer window with Vitaliy Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson and Anwar El Ghazi all arriving.
Ukrainian Mykolenko, who is effectively Digne’s replacement, suffered a torrid Premier League debut at Carrow Road.
And Benitez is reportedly set to face the sack at Everton despite claiming he has the backing of the board.
TalkSPORT claimed on Saturday night that a board meeting had concluded with key figures in agreement that Benitez should depart. 90min added that iconic former Toffees striker Ferguson might be considered as an interim boss.
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And it has emerged that the 50-year-old is primed for the job after turning down Real Madrid.
According to the Sun, Ferguson is highly rated by former Everton coach Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian departed Goodison Park in favour of a return to the Bernabeu in the summer.
Ancelotti sensationally wanted to take the Scot with him as part of his coaching team, with Ferguson known to have had a positive impact on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s rise in particular.
Ferguson, who scored 68 goals for the club, was placed in caretaker charge of Everton back in 2019 following the sacking of Marco Silva. But he was snubbed for the permanent job as the board preferred Ancelotti.
He could now get a second chance to impress those above him if he is asked to replace Benitez.
Everton are reportedly set to sack Rafa Benitez due to their poor Premier League form (Image: GETTY)
The 61-year-old, who incidentally is a former Real Madrid head coach, appeared to suggest that he will remain in his job.
“We are disappointed like the fans. We have to improve things on the pitch and with players coming back we have to make the right decisions,” Benitez said after his side lost to Norwich.
“I am a professional and I have enough experience. I came here to fix issues that were coming from the last five years.
“What I have to do now is analyse the mistakes we are making and make sure we avoid them for the future. The rest is not in my hands.”