Everton have engaged Southampton in talks to make Ronald Koeman their next manager.

Koeman has been earmarked as Everton's top choice to replace Roberto Martinez.

Koeman joined Saints from Feyenoord in 2014 and has just one year remaining on his deal. Koeman initially didn't appear interested but he's now grown tempted by the opportunity with Everton.

After guiding Southampton to sixth place thanks to a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day of the season Koeman hinted that he would require signs that the club was showing ambition before committing himself to extending his deal.

“It is important to know what we can do to be stronger because in my opinion that’s ambition,” he said. “If you don’t have that ambition, you start to be sloppy and that is not what I like to be. It is possible [to sign a contract next week] but that is always depending on the conversation.”