Michael Ball has questioned what would happen during a Merseyside derby if Rafael Benitez is appointed as the new Everton manager, suggesting that Liverpool fans may end up singing the name of their arch-rivals’ boss.

Benitez is now seen as the frontrunner to become the club’s new manager as they continue their search for Carlo Ancelotti’s successor.

Ancelotti, of course, left to join Real Madrid and the Toffees have been linked with a number of managers since his departure.

Nuno Espirito Santo was, at one point, regarded as the leading candidate but that deal has not come to anything.

Instead, it appears Benitez could become the first manager to take charge of both Liverpool and Everton.

Indeed, the former Valencia boss spent six years at Anfield, winning the Champions League and the FA Cup during his stint.

The Reds’ supporters still sing songs about Benitez, and Ball believes there could be a genuinely embarrassing situation for Everton during a derby if he is given the reigns.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “With the links with Rafa, many of them are questioning whether they’re going to return to Goodison Park. Feelings are running high in Liverpool right now, we know he lives locally, that doesn’t warrant that he should be manager of the club.

“There’s questions over what has he done since he left Liverpool? He was successful at Liverpool and Liverpool fans still sing and cheer his name. What would happen in a derby?

“Would it be embarrassing for Everton fans to listen to their arch-rivals singing about their own manager?”