Everton’s search for a new manager has lasted just shy of two weeks but they could be on the verge of an appointment.
The Toffees have a lengthy list of 40 coaches to consider but they have rapidly whittled that down.
What’s the word?
The Merseyside outfit have reportedly held talks with the agent of Christophe Galtier but with the Frenchman able to speak minimal English, they focused their efforts elsewhere.
Bill Kenwright’s first choice, David Moyes, has signed a new deal at West Ham, leading to Nuno Santo gleefully licking his lips.
According to Duncan Castles, the former Wolves manager met with the Everton hierarchy last week and thrived in an interview.
It would appear that he left senior figures impressed with The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe now reporting that Nuno has become the leading candidate.
Silva 2.0
Nuno has achieved some wonderful things in English football.
He revived the fortunes of Wolves as he took them from a middling Championship side to one that now harbours European ambitions.
The Old Gold were promoted to the Premier League and within two years, they were an established top-flight team, ending successive campaigns in seventh place.
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However, Everton seem to have a funny habit of appointing managers who have done well with smaller clubs in the Premier League.
Think Roberto Martinez who had been with Swansea and Wigan or Ronald Koeman and his tenure at Southampton.
Of course, there was also Marco Silva, a fellow Portuguese who had thrived with Watford.
Unfortunately, those three head coaches all have something disastrous in common; they were relieved from their duties at Goodison Park. The arrival of Nuno, therefore, should not be taken well.
The 47-year-old is tactically inflexible and he may well divide the supporters too. It’s an appointment that won’t offer too much excitement, especially when you consider those who have been linked with the vacancy.
Galtier has just beaten PSG to the Ligue 1 title with Lille while Rafa Benitez and Manuel Pellegrini have won multiple honours throughout their managerial careers.
What Everton need now is a proven winner, someone in the mould of a Carlo Ancelotti who can finally lift them to an elusive Champions League spot.
Nuno couldn’t get Wolves into the top six but even with more resources in Merseyside, it’s hard to see him beating the Premier League’s elite.
Fans should be rather angry that the hierarchy have sought his services rather than looking for a more luxurious candidate.