Brands throws his weight behind Everton appointing Benitez - Sources

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25 Jun 2021, 9:15 am

Everton director of football Marcel Brands has thrown his weight behind appointing Rafael Benitez as manager, Football Insider understands.

The Goodison Park board have been split over the club's managerial pursuit and that is the case as the club close in on Benitez going into the weekend.

An Everton source has told Football Insider that the former Liverpool and Newcastle has one key supporter in the boardroom and that is Brands.

The Dutch recruitment chief has given his backing to Benitez during discussions over the last week.

The source explained that Brands was less enamoured about the prospect of previous favourite Nuno Espirito Santo taking over.

That is believed to be partly due to the vast influence of Nuno's agent, the supremely well connected Jorge Mendes.

Were the Portugese to be appointed Carlo Ancelotti's permanent successor, it is likely to have a significant effect on Brands' powerbase.

That is now very unlikely, given that Benitez is set to be appointed after overcoming his misgivings.

Meanwhile, Nuno has agreed terms with Tottenham and is very close to becoming their manager.

That would bring to an end to lengthy sagas which have taken multiple twists and turns in recent weeks.

Everton have been searching for a successor to Ancelotti since he quit for Real Madrid at the start of this month.

The final decision will be made by owner Farhad Moshiri, although billionaire Alisher Usmanov also has an influence.

In other news, a top pundit says a brilliant 21-year-old could be a sensation at Everton next season after key update.

Everton FC