Lawrie Sanchez has told The Transfer Tavern that he doesn't think Rafa Benitez's Liverpool connections would stop him from becoming Everton manager, amid reports the club are closing in on the appointment of Nuno Santo.

Benitez, who's been out of work since leaving Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional, spent six years at Anfield between 2004 and 2010, leading the Reds to both FA Cup and Champions League glory in consecutive seasons before leaving for Inter Milan.

But the Spaniard is being seriously considered by the Toffees hierarchy which could see him make a stunning return to Merseyside, but this time across Stanley Park.

Benitez was managing in the Premier League as recently as 2019 with Newcastle but left his post at St James' Park following constant disagreements with owner Mike Ashley.

He then enjoyed a brief spell in the Far East, but wasn't able to add to impressive list of trophies, and is now looking to return to management after more almost six months out of a job.

And Sanchez exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that moving closer to home will be one of Benitez's priorities were he to make the shock move to Goodison Park:

"As I understand, his family still live in the Wirral. Where he has been, his family have remained in the Wirral.

"It's ok being paid millions, but if you're separated and living in a hotel room, it's no fun. So, if you can get the same sort of quality of pay close to your family, it doubles the value of it, so on that basis, I wouldn't rule him out.

"Much as he was manager of Liverpool, I hate to say it, but we are mercenaries us managers. If the job is right for us, we will take the job."