RED RAFA A BLUE?

Kop hero Benitez thinking of returning to Merseyside as the manager of EVERTON

EVER READY Rafa Benitez won the Champions

League with Liverpool but is in the frame for the Everton job

RAFA BENITEZ has emerged as a shock contender for the Everton manager’s job.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is seriously considering the former Liverpool boss as a successor to Carlo Ancelotti, despite the potential for widespread anger among fans.

Benitez once called Everton a “small club,” but has backtracked on those comments in recent days by apologising to supporters. And the Spaniard, the man behind the miracle of Istanbul in 2005, confirmed he would be interested in the Goodison vacancy.

Everton’s majority shareholder Moshiri (above) has hit a roadblock in his search for a new manager, with top candidates David Moyes, the West Ham boss, and Nuno Espirito Santo both proving elusive.

Former Wolves boss Nuno priced himself out of the Crystal Palace job by demanding six backroom staff to be appointed with him and calling for his agent Jorge Mendes to look after transfer business.

Those same demands are now worrying Moshiri and, with Everton reluctant to upset West Ham by pursuing their former boss Moyes, “You’ll end up

WHERE?!” they have extended their shortlist. Director of football Marcel Brands will spend the next few days making contact with candidates, with Benitez high on Moshiri’s wish-list. Talks could take place this week, even though there are concerns that Benitez, a hero to Liverpool fans, could never win the support of Everton followers.

The Spanish coach, a divisive figure, fell out with his owners at Liverpool, Newcastle and even Valencia, where he made his name. But Moshiri is impressed by his track record.

Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez is also on the shortlist compiled by Brands after taking Belgium to No.1 in the world rankings. His tenure at Goodison ended badly but, like Benitez, he would be interested in a return to Merseyside.

Christophe Galtier is another likely to be approached by Brands. The Frenchman led Lille to an historic French title win this season.

Brighton boss Graham Potter also has some backing within the Everton boardroom, but he would be an outside contender. Moyes remains a favourite with Moshiri but the Blues would not make an approach for their former manager unless they were given permission by West Ham.