Hughes to replace Martinez at Everton – report

Matt Stead

Mark Hughes is the prime candidate to replace Roberto Martinez as Everton manager, according to reports.

The Daily Mirror claim that Stoke manager Hughes ‘is being considered’ as a replacement for Martinez, who is set to be sacked at the end of the season.

Everton are 11th in the table, but level on points with 14th-placed Bournemouth as a once promising season edges towards a disappointing end.

Martinez led the Toffees to the semi-finals of both the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup, but defeats to Manchesters City and United have left the Spaniard on the brink after three underwhelming years.

John Cross writes that Martinez ‘has been left a dead man walking’ at Goodison Park, and that Stoke manager Hughes ‘has strong support within the corridors of power’ at the club. Stoke are 10th in the table, just one place above Everton, but are six points clear.

Cross believes that new Everton shareholder Farhad Moshiri will have a huge say in any managerial outgoings and incomings. He writes:

‘Everton’s new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri is taking a keen interest in the club’s affairs although chairman Bill Kenwright still rules the roost for now.

‘Moshiri already has strong links in the football world and Hughes is a name which had been put into him and is being seriously considered.’

It is also reported that Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and former Everton boss David Moyes are being considered for the role.