David Moyes is in discussions with Everton about a possible return to Goodison Park following the dismissal of manager Sean Dyche.
While no deal has been finalized yet, and Moyes is not the sole candidate, BBC Sport has learned from a reliable source that the Scottish manager is currently the frontrunner.
Negotiations regarding a contract are expected to continue on Friday.
Dyche, the former Burnley boss, was fired on Thursday with the club sitting 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone. They have won only three of their 19 league matches this season.
Moyes previously managed Everton from 2002 to 2013 before moving to Manchester United, where he was dismissed after just 10 months in charge.
He later had two stints at West Ham, leading them to the Europa Conference League title in 2023, but has been without a job since leaving the club last season.
Moyes recently stated he was not ready to retire from football management but emphasized that he did not want to take on a role “fighting relegation.”
After being appointed an OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to football, he said: “Football is in my blood. It has been since I was a boy.
“I love watching football and I have enjoyed my career. If there is another part to it, so be it. But I would only want it to be a good part.
“I wouldn’t want to be coming in and doing something which is very difficult.”