Sevilla missed the opportunity to end the season on another high when they were beaten 2-0 by Barcelona after extra time in the final of the Copa del Rey at the Vicente Calderon in Madrid last night (sun). But Emery's impressive achievements have won considerable admiration among the Everton hierarchy as they search for a new manager to take the club forward after a bitterly disappointing season under Martinez, who was sacked a fortnight ago.

Everton are expecting to meet with Emery in the next 72 hours. It is unclear if the Spaniard is the club's first choice but they are keen to establish his interest in moving to England and any plans he has.

Ronald Koeman, the Southampton manager, and Frank De Boer, who is a free agent after leaving Ajax this month, have also been heavily linked with the job. The outgoing Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is available, too.