Use your head and sign up now for the Everton FC newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has emerged as Farhad Moshiri's top target to become the next Everton manager.

But the Blues accept it will be difficult to prise the Argentine away from Spain in the immediate future.

Simeone is one of several options being discussed by the Everton board as they look to replace Ronald Koeman, who was sacked last month after a poor start to the season.

Former England boss Sam Allardyce and Watford manager Marco Silva are also under consideration along with David Unsworth, who has stepped up from the under-23s to become caretaker first-team boss for the last four games.

Simeone, though, is the most glamorous of the four having led Atletico to the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, the Europa League and two Champions League finals since taking charge in 2011.

The ECHO understands that Simeone, who has previously stated he wants to work in the Premier League, has an interest in the long-term Everton project under Moshiri.

However, the 47-year-old is happy at Atletico and has no intention of leaving halfway through the season, and in September extended his contract to June 2020.

That could force Everton's hand, with Moshiri keen for a decision on the manager for at least the rest of the season to be made during the international break.

Speaking last year when asked if he wants to manage in England, Simeone said: “I still consider myself a young coach so I feel that it would be possible.

“There are many other leagues that would provide great challenges. But the English and Italian leagues are very attractive.”