Everton going head-to-head with Crystal Palace for Nuno Espirito Santo after Carlo Ancelotti’s shock Real Madrid switch

EVERTON are battling Crystal Palace for Nuno Espirito Santo to take over from Carlo Ancelotti.

Goodison supremo Farhad Moshiri is seeking his SIXTH boss in five years after Ancelotti rejoined Real Madrid on Tuesday.

PA

Nuno Espirito Santo is on the lookout for a new job following his departure from Wolves[/caption]

Moshiri has put ex-Wolves coach Nuno top of a hitlist that includes Eddie Howe and Rafa Benitez.

And Nuno’s fellow Portuguese Vitor Pereira – who has spent the last three years with Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG – also fancies the job.

Ancelotti, who guided the Toffees to tenth this season, said: “I’d like to thank the board, players and Evertonians for the tremendous support they have given me.

“I hope Everton can achieve the exciting opportunities they have in front of them.

“While I have enjoyed being at Everton, I have been presented with an unexpected opportunity which is the right move for me and my family.”

Palace have been in talks with Nuno for the past few days and he is their top choice to replace retiring Roy Hodgson.

But the Toffees’ bigger budget and ambitions might sway Nuno.

One stumbling block will be Duncan Ferguson’s role in the new Everton coaching team as Nuno may want his own staff.

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Ferguson was being considered for the post but Nuno’s experience makes him favourite.

Ancelotti had three years left on an £11million-a-year deal and Everton will get at least £30m in compensation.

He takes over from Zinedine Zidane, six years after being axed by Real despite winning the Champions League.