Sam Allardyce will arrive at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground this afternoon to finalise his appointment as the club’s new manager on an 18-month contract.

The 63-year-old former England manager will watch tonight’s game with West Ham United, who he has also managed, from the directors’ box at Goodison Park.

A day of talks between Everton and Allardyce’s representatives in London brought a resolution last night and a breakthrough in the club’s month-long search for a replacement for Ronald Koeman. Farhad Moshiri, the leading shareholder, has led the search with his fellow director Keith Harris heavily involved in the process.

Allardyce has arrived back in England following a holiday in Dubai and is heading straight to Everton. He is set to name Craig Shakespeare, the