Everton are reported to have made contact with former Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti over the Goodison Park managerial vacancy and can expect a decision ‘soon’ over whether he will take the role on.
The legendary Italian coach was dismissed by Napoli despite guiding them into the last 16 of the Champions League, their dismal start to the Serie A season proving fateful.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure as they say, though, and Ancelotti’s new-found availability makes him a genuinely viable option for Everton, who have wasted no time in making their approach, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Everton board have contacted Carlo Ancelotti. He’ll decide soon if accept or refuse this opportunity. Talks ongoing. #EFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 16, 2019
It remains to be seen if Ancelotti is prepared to return to management immediately or if he would prefer a cooling-off period to consider the options available to him, but talks are believed to be ongoing between the two parties, and a decision should be made in the foreseeable future.
The Toffees have been without a manager since parting company with Marco Silva earlier this month, and while Duncan Ferguson remains in temporary charge, Ancelotti is among the front-runners being considered as their next permanent boss.
If Everton have to wait on a decision, however, it seems they will be willing to do so.
90min has learned that Ferguson’s promising start to life in the dugout means they won’t rush into an appointment and are even willing to leave the reins with the Scot until the summer if that is what it will take to land Ancelotti or another target.
Since coming in, Ferguson has steered the Blues to four points from tough games with Chelsea and Manchester United, and is expected to be in the dugout on Wednesday when his side take on Leicester in the EFL Cup.
In the case of Ancelotti, his options may have narrowed somewhat over the last 24 hours, as Arsenal – the other main Premier League contender for his signature – seem to have stepped up their pursuit of Mikel Arteta.
Officials from the Emirates were spotted leaving the Spaniard’s house on Sunday evening, prompting Manchester City – where he currently serves as Pep Guardiola’s assistant – to demand an answer from him as to the nature of the meeting.
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