GETTY Ronald Koeman is close to becoming the new Everton manager

Everton have been searching for a manager since sacking Roberto Martinez last month.



And while Sevilla coach Unai Emery remains a target, the Toffees are close to landing Southampton boss Koeman.



The Daily Mirror report Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is confident Koeman will be appointed by the end of the weekend.

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Should Southampton consent, the 53-year-old is expected to travel to Merseyside with his agent Rob Jansen to complete the deal.



Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is prepared to hand Koeman a £100m transfer kitty AND an expected £65m from the sale of star striker Romelu Lukaku.



Spending £165m would undoubtedly be attractive to the Dutchman, as would the challenge of getting Everton into the top four.

GETTY Koeman looks set to replace Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park

Moshiri will also apparently explain his plans to build a state-of-the-art stadium to replace Goodison Park.



The club's majority investor would have to pay Saints around £3m in compensation to secure Koeman.



And it is thought Sevilla sporting director Monchi could be brought in alongside the Holland great to help with off-field matters.