Everton are conducting reference checks on Manuel Pellegrini ahead of possible appointment, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The Chilean is said to have impressed during talks with the club last week, with majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri now exploring the possibility of appointing the former Manchester City manager.
The report explains that the club have some reservations over whether Pellegrini has the mentality to keep the Everton dressing room in check. Roberto Martinez lost his players during the season and several fall-outs over his three-year tenure have seen the Everton hierarchy desiring a strict manager who could restore discipline to the playing staff.
The Toffee’s are now said to be speaking to insiders at Manchester City to gauge how Pellegrini managed his players and if his mentality suits the vision which Farhad Moshiri has for the Merseyside club.
Alternative include Europa League winner Unai Emery, David Moyes and Frank De Boer who remains the bookies favourite to take over at Goodison Park.
The former Ajax manager has had his name linked with the club since Roberto’s sacking and his brother Ronald has publicly declared that he would take the job should it be offered to the Dutchman. As well as this, Frank is known for his strong personality and would be a perfect fit for the club who are looking for a disciplined dressing room.
It is said that the club are keen to appoint a manager in the next 10 days with Euro 2016 approaching and up to 10 players looking likely to leave the club this summer. The new boss would also have to resolve situations such as Romelu Lukaku and John Stones’ future as well as spending the money that Farhad Moshiri will likely pump into the club.
