Roberto Martinez favourite to replace Rafa Benitez as Everton boss in sensational return

Martinez could return to Goodison Park

Roberto Martinez has suddenly emerged as the favourite to take over the role as Everton manager after Rafael Benitez was sacked on Sunday. The news finally broke on Sunday that Benitez had been relived of his duties as Everton boss, with defeat against Norwich City the final nail in the coffin for his short-lived tenure. To be honest, it's a surprise it even got this far. The relationship between Benitez and supporters of the Toffees had never been there (might have had something to do with the small matter of him managing their arch rivals in the past??? Can't be sure). But reports at the Telegraph have said that Martinez has now emerged as the favourite to replace the Spaniard and return to the club he managed before taking his current role as manager of the Belgium national team. Discussions are said to have moved swiftly and the Toffees are now awaiting to hear back from the Belgium Football Association on their stance regarding Martinez and if he will be allowed to return to Merseyside. The decision may not prove to be a popular one amongst Everton supporters after many criticised their side's performances under the former Wigan boss during his last spell at the club between 2013 and 2016. Protests from sections of the fanbase ultimately ended his time at the club with Martinez sacked at the end of the 2015-16 campaign despite guiding the club to the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions. Whether the appointment of Martinez would be a long-term solution is another question with one report suggesting that he may return to the club on an interim basis before they assess their options in the summer. https://twitter.com/DominicKing_DM/status/1482771706792054785?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Other names have been touted with the job - most noticeably former Toffees player Wayne Rooney, admired especially for his work to keep Derby County within touching distance of survival in the Championship, despite a 21-point deduction. Graham Potter, Sean Dyche and current Everton coach Duncan Ferguson, who has previously taken charge on a caretaker basis, are also other possible candidates for the vacant role.