Like many managers, Ronald Koeman has been touted as a potential candidate for the Barcelona vacancy, arguably because of his history with the Spanish giants.

The Dutchman has been Everton manager for just nine months after opting to leave Southampton for Merseyside at the end of last season.

However, speculation was bound to be rife once Luis Enrique announced that he will step down as Barcelona boss when the current campaign comes to an end.

A piece of news that could stir the pot comes from German publication Bild who report that Everton’s hierarchy have made contact, albeit not directly, with Schmidt following the German’s sacking by Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend.

According to Sport Witness, the Toffees are content with Koeman at the helm, but they could be making plans just in case the 53-year-old is lured elsewhere.

Schmidt is yet to be officially released by Leverkusen as his contract with the Bundesliga club does not expire until June 2019.

A compensation agreement needs to be made in order to cut ties with Schmidt for good.

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']