This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Sun, Everton have already met managerial target Carlo Ancelotti for discussions, and appear to be doing all the right things in order to appoint him as Marco Silva's successor.

What's the word, then?

Well, The Sun say that the Toffees have stolen a march on Arsenal in a bid to bring the 60-year-old to the Premier League following his sacking by Napoli.

The report says that despite only being relieved of his duties on Tuesday, the Italian is keen to get straight back into football management, although he would prefer a move to London if he was to come to England.

However, he is very much open to discussing the prospect of a role at Goodison Park, and his representative is said to have been left with the feeling that the Merseyside outfit want him as their first-choice, whereas the Gunners are far less decided as they search for Unai Emery's replacement.

Doing all the right things

Everton clearly have Ancelotti in their sights, and it appears as though they are doing everything right in order to bring him to Goodison.

Did he play for Everton? Simple question but a lot tougher than you think...

There is no doubt that he would be a high-profile appointment given the honours he has won in the game as manager – he has three Champions Leagues, as well as top-flight league titles in England, France, Germany and Italy.

The Sun says that as well as handing the 60-year-old a two-and-a-half year deal, they are also ready to offer him funds for the upcoming January transfer window.

Despite their 3-1 win against Chelsea last weekend, they still lie just two points above the relegation zone despite all of the millions they have spent in recent years – it appears as though some sort of shake-up is needed.

The fact that Duncan Ferguson is remaining in charge for this weekend's clash against Manchester United suggests Everton need a bit more time to get their preferred candidate in, and that could be down to their hard work behind the scenes convincing Ancelotti.

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and director of football Marcel Brands seem to be doing everything they can to make that happen, and they should be lauded if they manage to pull it off.

In other Everton news, one 57-year-old pundit has dropped a hint that Carlo Ancelotti is on his way to Goodison Park...