After a torrid time under Rafa Benitez's guidance, Everton eventually got rid of the former Newcastle United and Liverpool head coach before giving Duncan Ferguson the role of caretaker boss while the club looks to appoint yet another permanent manager.

In terms of who the club could look at to take the role, one name has recently been suggested that could be seen as a big upgrade on Benitez.

What's the latest? 

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Manchester City player Danny Mills had this to say about the possibility of the Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter being appointed as Everton's next permanent manager.

He said: "I think it would be a really good move for both. It’s a step up from Brighton but it’s not quite that leap where you would expect him to get into the top four.

"I think he’s the perfect candidate. Has he taken Brighton as far as they can go? Without investment, where are Brighton going to finish? Are they going to be big spenders? They play a good style of football, he makes players better, he’s a good coach, we’ve seen that.

"Jobs like Arsenal and Tottenham are maybe a little bit of a leap but Everton would be the perfect next step up the ladder. He improves players and knows the Premier League. If you could go out and get him and his staff I think that would be a really good appointment.

"There might be ups and downs but it’s an appointment you can stick with for two or three years at least."

A big upgrade

Since taking the job at Brighton back in May 2019, Potter has taken charge of 110 games across all competitions with the Seagulls, winning 32, drawing 39 and losing 39 along the way.

While his overall record in charge of the south coast club may not be completely awe-inspiring, the 46-year-old has managed to take his Brighton side to ninth place in the Premier League table this season, scoring 22 goals and conceding 22, 12 goals fewer than Everton have conceded in this current campaign despite playing two more league games than the Toffees.

Immediately, that suggests that he could improve the Merseyside club's defence if given the right tools.

As well as this, Potter and his men have received heavy praise from Pep Guardiola in the past, who knows a thing or two about managing quality teams and winning titles, regarding Potter's management and how his team plays.

That suggests that he could work wonders with this Everton side given the time and backing to do so and as a result, he would be a better option than Benitez was despite not having the experience or trophies that the Spaniard has.

Whether the former Ostersunds boss would be willing to leave the Seagulls halfway through the season to take on another role in the Premier League is yet to be seen but Farhad Moshiri should definitely have the Englishman on his list of potential long-term candidates for the manager role at Goodison Park.

In other news: Offer made: Everton in talks with 48 y/o “gentleman”, Moshiri is taking a massive risk - opinion