The fight to become the new manager of Everton looks as though it’s boiling down to two candidates; Nuno Santo and Rafa Benitez.

However, the latter has become the front runner over the last week with talks stalling between the Toffees and Nuno.

What’s the word?

In a bid to perhaps win over the Everton hierarchy, it looks as though the former Wolves boss is ensuring he already has a list of targets drawn up for them to sign.

They’ve already been linked with moves for Pedro Neto and Conor Coady but according to Football Insider, one of those players on the shortlist could be Tottenham full-back Matt Doherty.

The outlet suggests that Nuno has told the Merseyside outfit he can bring the Irishman to Goodison Park if he’s appointed the new boss.

A deal could be done quickly as well with the Portuguese keen to lure him to Goodison ‘straight away.’

A magic duo

Doherty moved to Spurs for a fee of £14.7m almost a year ago but his opening year in the capital has not gone according to plan.

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He didn’t suit a four-man defensive system and was quickly usurped by Ivorian defender Serge Aurier in the pecking order.

The Republic of Ireland international only started 13 times in the Premier League this term and has already been linked with the exit door.

That doesn’t exactly paint a radiant picture for Everton supporters but it’s crucial to remember just how well Doherty performed under Nuno at Wolves.

The 29-year-old enjoyed ten years in the Midlands and featured 120 times under the Toffees’ managerial candidate.

During that time frame, Doherty scored 19 goals and registered 20 assists, proving to be a stellar threat from wing-back.

During the 2018/19 campaign, there were even calls for him to be included in the PFA Team of the Year after a term where he contributed to 11 goals in the Premier League.

The duo clearly have a good understanding between each other and with Seamus Coleman growing older, his arrival would be timely.

After all, he's a proven Premier League talent. Speaking about him during his excellent run of form, Danny Mills called him "outstanding."

Doherty’s fellow Irishman is the captain at Goodison Park but has just a year remaining on his current terms in Merseyside. As a result, they should think about finding an alternative or someone to provide competition.

AND in other news, Big twist emerges in Everton manager hunt, fans will be buzzing...