Everton manager latest: Club fear fan backlash over candidate they're in talks with

The links between Everton and Rafa Benitez refuse to go away.

It appears he is so keen to come back to England and settle in Merseyside and the club are so keen to get a manager with Premier League experience that a marriage of convenience could be born.

But it would not go down well with many fans and a report from Italy indicates Everton are well aware of that.

Calcio Mercato claim the club are fearing a fan backlash against Benitez if he is the man to take over.

Tottenham recently aborted a plan to hire Gennaro Gattuso on similar grounds.

When the news leaked, Spurs fans made their feelings known on social media and the move was off.

An agreement has not yet been reached between Everton and Benitez, but talks are ongoing.

The report claims that if the approach is abandoned, it will be due to pressure from the fans.

Benitez’s Liverpool connections mean it is easy to understand why some Toffees don’t want him in.

It’s not like he plays thrilling football either, preferring a more methodical approach.

It would also indicate a lack of direction or clear planning at the club if they opt for Benitez.

So we’ll see if they press ahead with the approach or whether the strength of feeling will be enough like it was with Spurs and Gattuso.