The Chosen One? Everton Turn to Moyes After Sacking Dyche Before Cup Tie

Everton's new owners are expected to offer David Moyes the chance to return to Goodison Park after sacking Sean Dyche hours before the FA Cup tie against Peterborough United.

- Andy Hunter

Moyes, who left Everton for Manchester United in 2013, has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.

The Scot's availability, vast experience of the Premier League and of Everton make him an attractive proposition for The Friedkin Group (TFG) as it considers candidates who could secure the club's top-flight status this season. Its first managerial appointment as Everton owners could happen quickly.

José Mourinho, whom TFG sacked at Roma 12 months ago and is now in charge at Fenerbahce, is not under consideration. Dyche's departure was announced just over three hours before the FA Cup third-round game at Goodison. The Under-18s coach, Leighton Baines, and the club captain, Séamus Coleman, were asked to take over at short notice.

Dyche's backroom team of Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer have all left the club. The 53-year-old is understood to have been in negotiations over a payoff since Monday, having indicated to TFG that he felt he had taken Everton as far as he could.