Report: Kenwright urged Everton to appoint 35-yr-old, a move to take over from Allardyce on the cards
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright suggested Manchester City assistant Mikel Arteta as a potential candidate to replace Ronald Koeman before the appointment of Sam Allardyce last month, according to a report.
The Mirror claim that Arteta made a big impression on the Toffees coaching staff during his six years as a player at the club, and the midfield maestro was in fact a surprise candidate to take over at Goodison Park.
It is said that Everton are continuing to monitor the Spaniard, 35, and he is still a candidate to take over permanently from Allardyce,
The club eventually made the decision to go for experience as they appointed Allardyce on an 18-month contract to replace Koeman who was sacked more than a month earlier.
Aside from the Toffees, his other former Premier League club Arsenal are also said to be interested in his coaching services, with the Gunners keen to bring him in as an assistant, and even naming him as a possible successor to Arsene Wenger.
His reputation has even reached Tottenham, with Mauricio Pochettino reportedly making an approach to bring Arteta into his coaching staff, with his advances being rebuffed by the City man.
Arteta is said to be happy at City as they hurl towards the Premier League title, but reportedly holds ambitions of becoming a manager one day.
In other Everton news, Steve Walsh has reportedly jetted out on a scouting mission for this £20m-rated centre-back.
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