Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez doesn't think that Liverpool fans would begrudge Rafael Benitez were he to become the new Everton boss, amid reports on Wednesday evening that he could be on the brink of replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

The Spaniard is a fans' favourite at Anfield having delivered both the Champions League and then FA Cup in consecutive seasons with the club.

Benitez is currently a free agent having left his position as manager of Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional in January due to Covid-19, and is now being considered as a potential replacement for Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

He's managed in England since leaving Liverpool in 2010, spending three seasons with Newcastle before ongoing problems with owner Mike Ashley saw him resign two years ago.

But Benitez could be on the verge of making a return to the Premier League just two years after his St James' departure, although Everton are talking to several names despite Nuno Espirito Santo remaining the favourite following recent talks.

Benitez's family still live on Merseyside, and with that in mind, Sanchez doesn't think manging Everton would wreck his relationship with the Reds faithful.

He told Football FanCast:

"I don't think the Liverpool fans would feel particularly aggrieved if Benitez were back in the city.

"Liverpool being working class people; they would never stop a man getting a job.

"Benitez is one worth keeping an eye on because he knows the Premier League, lives in the area and wins things."