Everton are said to be lining up FC Porto manager Sergio Conceicao as their next boss after Carlo Ancelotti's decision to join Real Madrid.

What's the story?

Ancelotti's surprise return to the Santiago Bernabeu has left the Toffees with a real dilemma, and it appears they have cast the net far and wide to appoint their next manager.

And, according to Football Insider, the Merseyside club have got their eye on Conceicao, with the 44-year-old still having yet put pen to paper on a new contract at Porto.

The report claims that the stand-off between the two sides has opened the door for him to move to Goodison Park, and that Everton are "keeping tabs" on his situation.

Would fire up Goodison Park

While Sky Sports have revealed the Toffees are set to undergo talks with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, it's his fellow Portuguese manager Conceicao who Farhad Moshiri and co should really be looking at.

Speaking to Goal, journalist Lidia Paralta Gomes, said of Conceicao: "They see him as a homegrown guy with the authentic Porto mentality – very passionate, very intense, very proud. There are claims that he is all about attitude and not sophisticated enough, but those are minority".

That dedication and willingness to win is reflected in comments made by Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas, who played under Conceicao at Porto.

The Spaniard said: "Behind every serious and disciplined coach there is also a great person. During the three years with Conceicao I came to know a man who demands the maximum. He always wants to win and transmits this will to his players".

Conceicao meanwhile himself admitted: "I am never 100 per cent happy. There is a dark side inside me, and it will never leave".

Another key thing the 44-year-old will bring to the table is his ability to manage a squad of players, and his style should see him become a really popular figure at the club.

In a piece about his tactical philosophy, Football BH wrote: "Conceição garnered respect quickly. He introduced a fine blend of spirited charisma and tacit discipline to not only get the dressing room on-side but the despondent fans as well.

"Conceição has one intangible attribute all top modern managers possess. He is able to bleed an extra 5% out of every player in his squad, imploring them to pull in the same direction and pull hard.

"The authority doesn’t come from shouting the loudest or micro-managing every detail. It has grown from his honesty with the press, his public team-talks in front of the fans and jogging 24-miles home after losing a bet with his players."

That ability to get his players leave everything on the line for him shows the remarkable man-management skills that Conceicao possesses, and that intensity and passion that people have raved about, should endear him to the Goodison Park faithful.

Toffees fans only have to look across to the red half of Merseyside to see the kind of impact a charismatic manager can have on an entire club. Conceicao appears to be built from that same never-say-die mould and would be a perfect fit for Everton.

If Moshiri wants to really kick-start things at Goodison, then he should turn to Conceicao instead of Nuno.

And in other news, Everton could find new Pienaar by signing this star player...