Wayne Rooney has reportedly been lined up as Everton's next manager, should the Toffees cut their losses on Rafa Benitez.
The Sun report that Rooney, who had two spells at Goodison Park as a player, has had unofficial communication with Everton as pressure mounts on Benitez.
Benitez's side have won just one of their last 10 games and supporters are growing restless against the former Liverpool manager, raising doubts over his future heading into 2022.
Majority owner Farhad Moshiri is desperate to see Benitez, who saw his appointment protested by a pocket of Everton's supporters in the summer, succeed despite a rough patch.