Former Everton star Michael Ball believes that the club’s proposed appointment of Rafael Benitez may be called off because of the overwhelmingly negative reaction to the news.

Reports suggest that the Spaniard is the current frontrunner to take over at Goodison Park after Carlo Ancelotti departed to rejoin Real Madrid.

Benitez would become the very first boss to manage both Liverpool and Everton if he did end up taking over in Merseyside.

Indeed, the 61-year-old spent a total of six years at Anfield between 2004 and 2010 and won a clutch of trophies, lifting the FA Cup and the Champions League during his time with the Reds. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and the Community Shield.

Liverpool fans continue to sign about Benitez, and he is widely regarded as an iconic figure on the red side of the city.

Various pundits, including ex-Toffees goalkeeper Neville Southall, have rejected the prospect of Benitez coming into the role at Everton and Ball now thinks that the backlash could see the Toffees rethink the potential appointment.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I feel with the negative reaction with Rafa, I can’t see it happening now.

“I know he’s still favourite, I know what we’ve read on social media in the last few hours, I just feel it might be put on hold. Just to see how it settles over the next few days.

“I think he’s had a second interview, Nuno (Espirito Santo) had two interviews, so they may be revisiting managers that they’ve already spoken to before they make this huge decision.”