The ‘genuine’ contender to replace Kevin Thelwell at Everton

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Everton are looking set to part ways with director of football Kevin Thelwell at the end of the season.

The Friedkin Group are going to have a number of individuals at Goodison Park out of contract come the summer.

David Moyes is not one of them fortunately, with the 61-year-old turning around Everton’s fortunes of late.

Everton fans want to see David Weir replace Thelwell as the director of football on Merseyside, but the Friedkins have a number of other options on their radar.

Speaking to Everton News, TBR Football’s Chief Transfer Correspondent Graeme Bailey has shared one of the names high on their list.

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Everton keen on Dan Ashworth to replace Kevin Thelwell

Bailey has described Dan Ashworth as a ‘genuine’ contender to make the move to Merseyside and replace Thelwell.

Everton News has previously shared interest held by the Friedkins in Ashworth as Thelwell’s future was being considered.

Now a decision has been made, the search to find his replacement is set to step up.

Everton have been warned against hiring Ashworth by ESPN journalist Mark Ogden following his spell at Manchester United.

The Red Devils parted ways with Ashworth after just a matter of months, with his summer signings failing to impress at Old Trafford.

It is not just Ashworth on the radar; Everton are also eyeing Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman, but he could prove difficult to prise away from his recently signed contract.

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Arsenal could rival Everton for Ashworth

It is not just Everton who are looking at the former Manchester United chief ahead of the summer.

Ashworth is currently out of work following his departure from Old Trafford back in December and is believed to be on the radar of Arsenal.

David Ornstein has claimed the Gunners are eyeing Ashworth following the exit of Edu Gaspar earlier in the season.

A move to north London could well prove a more attractive opportunity for someone like Ashworth, but Everton are certainly a lot more appealing than they were two months ago.

Thelwell expects a big summer for Everton in the transfer window, but who will take on his role to lead them through the summer is now another question.