Carlo Ancelotti will keep Everton’s popular former player – and current caretaker manager – Duncan Ferguson on his coaching staff when he takes the job at Goodison Park, although the Italian will also bring his own assistants with him.

A deal has been agreed in principle between Everton and Ancelotti and the remaining details involve finalising his departure from Napoli which is still yet to be completed following his sacking from the club last week.

The 60 year-old is in London and the hope from both parties remains that he will be in place to take the team for their game against Arsenal on Sunday.

Ferguson has proved a successful temporary solution for the club, galvanising players and fans with the team’s spirited victory over Chelsea and then the draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, and the Scot will remain a part of Ancelotti’s backroom staff.

The Italian has always been open to accommodating existing staff with a connection to the club he is joining, working with the late Ray Wilkins at Chelsea until the latter’s sacking as assistant in November 2010, and then with Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti will bring with him his staff from Napoli where he has been succeeded by his former player Rino Gattuso. Among Ancelotti’s staff will be his son from his first marriage, Davide, 30, who was his assistant coach at Napoli. He is also expected to bring his assistant Francesco Mauri and at least one more member of staff from Napoli. Ancelotti has agreed in principle the terms of a deal until 2024, emphasising the club’s long-term belief in the Italian.