German coach Ralf Rangnick has joined the race to be Everton’s new manager.
Rangnick, who steered Bundesliga side Schalke to the Champions League semi-finals two years ago, made a flying visit to London to meet Goodison supremo Bill Kenwright.
And the 54-year-old, who speaks perfect English as a result of living in Sussex in his 20s, impressed Kenwright with what he had to say about succeeding Manchester United-bound David Moyes at the Toffees.
Rangnick is now a serious challenger to Roberto Martinez, who told Wigan earlier this week that he is quitting and met Kenwright on Wednesday for initial talks.
The German is currently director of football at Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg and is fully recovered from the problems with stress that lead to him leaving.
Boasting 30 years of managerial experience, Rangnick was linked with the top jobs at Tottenham, as successor to Harry Redknapp, and West Brom last summer.
The anglophile boss played for non-League Southwick during his time studying at the University of Sussex, and his CV and personality has pushed him into the frame.
Martinez seemed home and hosed when he met Kenwright at a London hotel.
But the Spaniard, also linked with a return to his homeland with Malaga, who are losing coach Manuel Pellegrini to Manchester City, has had no confirmation he will get the Toffees job and apparently faces an anxious wait for news.
Kenwright is now set to end his round of interviews and start mulling over his options – and he has a lot of factors to consider.
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