Everton are hopeful of appointing David Moyes as Sean Dyche’s replacement after a day of productive talks with the club’s former manager.
Moyes met representatives from The Friedkin Group (TFG), Everton’s new owner, on Friday to discuss a return to the club he managed between 2002 and 2013. Negotiations are understood to have advanced well and there is confidence a deal could be concluded within the next 24 hours. The length of contract is being discussed but the expectation is that but the expectation is that it will be a two-and-a-half year deal.
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TFG made Moyes its top target after deciding to part company with Dyche, who was sacked hours before the FA Cup win against Peterborough on Thursday with Everton one point above the relegation zone. Interest in Graham Potter, who was appointed by West Ham this week, did not develop as far as a contract offer and José Mourinho, whom TFG sacked at Roma 12 months ago, was not considered.
Everton’s owners believe Moyes can steer the team away from relegation danger this season. They also want him to build foundations for the long-term as TFG plans for the move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore dock next season and a more stable period following the chaos of Farhad Moshiri’s tenure. The Scot will become Everton’s ninth permanent manager in nine years should he agree contract terms.
Moyes has been out of work since ending a successful four-and-a-half-year spell at West Ham last season. He claimed in a recent interview that he did not want to return to management with a club fighting a relegation battle. His connection with Everton, however, makes them an exception. Everton host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday and hope the former Preston, Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland manager will be in charge before then.
Moyes will need to appoint a new backroom team at Everton as Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer also left the club with Dyche on Thursday. Billy McKinlay, who worked with Moyes at West Ham, is in line for a role.
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