"But it is modern football and if you get the right one it is a big plus. We are talking to various directors of football and Ronald has worked with a lot of directors of football and will embrace that as well as the Everton way. So I would have thought yes, we are leaning towards appointing a director of football but Ronald has to be part of that process.

"Various first-rate people have been mentioned. What I have picked up in the last four weeks is it is an important role and if done right it can add to a football club."

With Leicester's defence of the title starting in ‎four weeks, the departure of Walsh will be viewed as an untimely blow. Walsh joined Leicester with former manager Nigel Pearson for a second spell in November 2011 and also works alongside fellow assistant Craig Shakespeare. Leicester have confirmed the approach.