Everton are determined to fill the void left by physio Mick Rathbone's departure with a world class replacement.

The 51-year-old's departure comes eight years after he joined from Preston North End where he had also worked alongside David Moyes.

Rathbone's exit follows a tumultuous season of injuries at Goodison, which has seen a string of first team stars sidelined with serious set-backs.

The Liverpool Echo says Everton are already scouring the top sports medicine specialists in European football to find a replacement, for a role which has become increasingly important in the top flight game.