Everton should sack Rafael Benitez and replace him with Wayne Rooney, according to ex-talkSPORT broadcaster and independent Toffees shareholder Mike Parry

The lowdown

The  Merseysiders were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace on Sunday, their eighth loss in 12 matches. Since beating Burnley 3-1 in mid-September, they have the worst record of any team in the Premier League.

Reports have suggested that the Toffees are lining up potential successors, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming in late November that Denmark boss Kasper Hjumland is on their radar.

Current Derby County manager Rooney made his Premier League breakthrough as a player at Everton and bagged 28 goals in 117 appearances across two spells for the club either side of a 13-year stint at Manchester United.

The Rams appear destined for relegation to League One after being hit with a combined 21-point deduction due to financial problems. With nearly half of the season gone, they find themselves a full 17 points from safety.

The latest

Parry took to Twitter to address supporters after the defeat at Selhurst Park, writing: "I hate it where we are."

"If I make a representation to the board that we should exit Rafa Benitez and APPOINT WAYNE ROONEY as our new manager with Dunc [assistant Duncan Ferguson] already in place, would you support me?"

The verdict

Does Rooney have the credentials to take the reins at Goodison Park? He has been Derby's permanent manager for 48 matches now, winning only 13 (27%), drawing 14 and losing 21.

However, it's important to acknowledge that he has been steering the club through stormy waters. They entered administration in September and there's even a risk they might go out of business as they continue to search for a buyer (via BBC Sport).

Former QPR and Crystal Palace midfielder Shaun Derry says it's testament to Rooney's 'incredible character' that he has stuck around at Pride Park despite the hugely challenging circumstances.

Elsewhere, former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has described the 36-year-old as a 'big gun' who 'has everything to become a big manager', and Ben Olsen, his one-time coach at DC United, has noted that the ex-Toffees striker enjoys the 'chess' aspect of the game.

Those are some pretty glowing endorsements, so perhaps there is credence to Parry's recommendation of him to replace the under-fire Benitez.

In other news, many Everton fans slammed this man's display against Palace