Everton chiefs are pushing to appoint Rafa Benitez as new manager next week.

The Daily Mail says Farhad Moshiri, Everton's major shareholder, has met the former Liverpool manager on a number of occasions in the past fortnight and it is now the Iranian's intention to offer him a contract.

The 61-year-old is already working out who will form part of his backroom staff. He hopes to be joined by long-time ally Paco de Miguel, who would assume the role of fitness coach.

Benitez has tended to appoint assistant managers who had connections with his club — Sammy Lee worked with him at Liverpool, Bolo Zenden at Chelsea — and he plans to talk to Everton assistant Duncan Ferguson about staying on.

Ferguson worked alongside Carlo Ancelotti and was keen to be considered for the role of permanent manager after the Italian left last month.

But, after much deliberation, the process is now almost at a conclusion and Benitez will become Moshiri's fifth appointment in five years.