Everton have made Steve Hitchen their lead target to replace Marcel Brands as director of football.
Hitchen, who left his position as Tottenham’s director of technical performance last week, is emerging as the Toffees’ first-choice to take up the vacancy ahead of former Wolves sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
The Goodison Park club are in the midst of a review of their recruitment and executive operations following the departure of Brands in December.
Hitchen has held talks over replacing the Dutchman and is understood to have impressed Everton chiefs with his vision.