Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has agreed a three-year deal to join rivals Everton.
The Spaniard spent six years at Anfield between 2004 and 2010, winning the Champions League, the FA Cup and guiding the Reds to a second-place finish in the Premier League.
Everton have been searching for a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti since the Italian’s return to Real Madrid and after talks with Nuno Espirito Santo, the Toffees have turned to Benitez.
The Spaniard is keen to return to the Premier League after an 18-month stint in China but the club’s interest in him has been met by a widespread backlash from supporters.
Benitez once referred to Everton as a ‘small club’ after a Merseyside derby and supporters have not forgotten his comments.
Banners have been hung outside Goodison Park in protest of the club’s interest in Benitez but the Toffees’ owners appear untroubled and look set to announce Benitez’s arrival in the next 48 hours.
The former Newcastle United boss has maintained a house on Merseyside, such was his love of the area during his time in England.