Mark Hughes has reportedly been installed as a frontrunner for the Everton manager's job.
Widespread speculation has suggested that the current occupier of the Goodison Park hotseat - Roberto Martinez - will be relieved of his duties at the end of the season.
That has kickstarted the rumour mill, with the likes of Eddie Howe and former boss David Moyes linked with the post.
However, Everton's new major shareholder Farhad Moshiri is a big admirer of Stoke City manager Hughes, according to The Mirror.
The report adds that Moshiri, as well as other board members, has been particularly impressed by the work that the 52-year-old has carried out at the Britannia Stadium since taking charge in 2013.
Hughes, who had a brief playing stint with the Toffees 16 years ago, is contracted to Stoke until the conclusion of the 2018-19 campaign.
