Everton urged to consider 'shocking' appointment and hire former Newcastle United favourite

The Toffees are searching for Carlo Ancelotti’s successor following the Italian’s unexpected return to Spanish giants Real Madrid on Tuesday.

Benitez has spoken publicly about his desire to manage in the Premier League again and now might be the best time with vacancies at Tottenham, Wolves and Crystal Palace available.

Despite his successful past with Merseyside rivals Liverpool – which included winning the Champions League in 2005 – Carragher believes his old boss should be seriously considered by Everton’s hierarchy.

Penning his Daily Telegraph column, Carragher said: "Of the names instantly linked with Everton as the Ancelotti news broke, who is more qualified than my former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez?

"Rafa is available, settled in the area and I am sure he is ready if Moshiri is prepared to consider one of the more shocking managerial appointments in Merseyside football history.

"At the very least, Benitez should be under consideration as Moshiri begins yet another managerial quest. And not for the first time, before the owner decides the right candidate, he has to be clear of the football direction he wants to take.

"With Ancelotti, Everton pursued the tried-and-tested, proven experienced manager and stellar name. If that is what Moshiri still wants, Benitez is an obvious candidate."

Benitez remains open to the idea of a future return to St James’s Park and is the number one choice if the Amanda Staveley-brokered takeover is eventually waved through.

Mike Ashley remains locked in a legal war with the Premier League via two active cases – arbitration and Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT).

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