There’s a pretty toxic atmosphere around Everton right now as the reign of Roberto Martinez nears a messy conclusion.
Despite possessing a hugely talented young side, the former Wigan coach has been unable to string together any sort of momentum this season and somehow find themselves four points off the top half.
With wealthy new investment expected to come into the club, it seems likely the Spaniard will be given his marching orders imminently as the Toffees look to push on.
They’ve been linked with making a move for Liverpool legend Rafa Benitez, who won the Champions League with their greatest rivals.
Currently in charge of Newcastle United, the former Real Madrid coach is expected to leave if the Magpies ultimately succumb to relegation.
Despite his strong Anfield affinity, the 56-year old is little but a serial winner and is exactly the type of coach to steady the ship at Goodison Park.
Clearly, he would walk into a squad packed to the rafters with an immense level of talent. Still, the club are anything but the finished article and could use their wealthy new backer to draft in some much needed reinforcements.
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Who exactly? Click the image below to find out.
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Andros Townsend
Should Benitez fail in his task in keeping Newcastle United in the Premier League, it will not be down to the exploits of Andros Townsend.
The former Spurs man endured a difficult start to life on Tyneside, though has been a major part of their recent revival, scoring four goals in 11 games.
Unlikely to be short of suitors, the 24-year old reportedly has a clause in his deal that allows him to leave should the club be relegated.
Everton should be first in line.
Kieran Gibbs
Leighton Baines is still a top class footballer, though is losing some of the pace that may him such an asset down the left flank.
Benitez is thought to have targeted Arsenal ace Kieran Gibbs for the Magpies, though neither are likely to fancy life at St. James’ Park should they drop into the second tier.
Should the Spaniard end up at Goodison, he’d be well advised to draft the England international in to act as both cover and competition for Baines.
Lewis Dunk
Everton’s defence is a mess. There’s no doubt about it.
Still, the club boast some top quality defenders and perhaps their continued plight is down to the way they are set up by Martinez.
Rafa Benitez is renowned as a great organiser of teams, so his arrival on the training pitch alone should help on that front.
However, he’s been linked with Brighton defender Lewis Dunk for the Toon Army and he could well still fancy him, just for another side.
Dunk has emerged as one of the top defenders in the second tier and would add steel to the rearguard no doubt.
