Everton are reportedly preparing to battle Arsenal for the services of experienced manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The 60-year-old was sacked by Napoli on Tuesday night despite leading the side into the knockout round of the Champions League with a 4-0 win over Genk.
The Italian giants have underperformed in Serie A this season, though, with just five wins from 15 matches leaving them in seventh spot in the table, 17 points off leaders Inter Milan.
According to The Telegraph, Ancelotti has emerged as Everton's leading choice to take the position vacated by Marco Silva and currently held by Duncan Ferguson on an interim basis.
The same report, though, claims that Arsenal are also in the argument for the Italian, who led Chelsea to the 2009-10 Premier League title during his previous spell in England.
The Gunners sacked Unai Emery at the end of last month following a disappointing run of form, with Freddie Ljungberg placed in charge of the London club on a short-time basis.
Everton are next in Premier League action away to Manchester United this weekend, while Arsenal will host the champions Manchester City.
Matt Law
