Roberto Martinez has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Rafael Benitez as manager of Everton.

Former Everton forward Wayne Rooney, now managing Championship club Derby County, is being linked with a return to Goodison, but sources have told ESPN that Martinez is the leading contender at this stage.

Martinez is currently manager of Belgium and wants to see the position through the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. 

Assistant manager Duncan Ferguson is expected to take charge of Everton against Aston Villa next Saturday, enabling the club to spend time during the international break which follows to appoint an interim or permanent manager.