Martinez Could Welcome Everton Return

Roberto Martinez would welcome a return to Everton as they search for a replacement for Rafael Benitez, who was sacked as the club's manager on Sunday.

Martinez, who spent three years at Goodison Park between 2013 and 2016, is high on Everton's shortlist. However, the Belgian FA wants Martinez to stay on as manager and lead them into the 2022 World Cup, and any return to the Premier League side would be unlikely to happen before this winter's tournament.

Martinez was the Everton board's No 1 choice to replace Carlo Ancelotti - who moved to Real Madrid - this summer, but Farhad Moshiri, the club's owner, opted for Benitez.