RAFA BENITEZ is set to become the new Everton boss after agreeing a three-year deal, according to reports.
The Spaniard’s move back to Merseyside was plunged in doubt after Fenerbahce registered their interest.
The Turkish giants reportedly opened talks with Benitez just as Everton were set to announce his appointment.
But Sky Sports write how the 61-year-old will return to the Premier League six months after leaving Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional.
Everton could officially announce his appointment on Wednesday – just less than a month after Carlo Ancelotti resigned to join Real Madrid.
His move to Everton has received a hugely mixed reaction from supporters following his history with rivals Liverpool.
A disgraceful threatening banner was placed in the Wirral area with the message ‘We know where you live. Don’t sign.’
Banners have also been left outside Goodison Park making it clear some Everton fans are strongly opposed to the decision.
Benitez was also adjudged to have further riled up supporters by calling the Toffees a “small club.”
Benitez spent six years managing Liverpool, winning the Champions League and FA Cup before leaving in 2010.
He then went on to manage Inter Milan, Napoli, Real Madrid and Newcastle while also having an interim stint at Chelsea.
Chairman Bill Kenwright is understood to have been dead set against bringing in the Spaniard.
But owner Farhad Moshiri and shareholder Alisher Usmanov have convinced Kenwright that Benitez is the way to go.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk