Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes ex-Anfield boss Rafa Benitez should take over at rivals Everton.

The Toffees are now without a manager after veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti left for Real Madrid.

Ancelotti completed his return to Real on Tuesday to replace Zinedine Zidane.

Carragher believes Benitez is good enough to improve Everton, after his successful spell at Newcastle United a few years ago.

"As Carlo Ancelotti returns to Real Madrid, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri will be wondering when he will next get the chance to appoint a former Real Madrid manager and Champions League winner with Premier League experience," Carragher wrote in the Telegraph.

"How about immediately? Of the names instantly linked with Everton as the Ancelotti news broke, who is more qualified than my former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez?

"Rafa is available, settled in the area and I am sure he is ready if Moshiri is prepared to consider one of the more shocking managerial appointments in Merseyside football history.

"At the very least, Benitez should be under consideration as Moshiri begins yet another managerial quest. Not for the first time, before the owner decides the right candidate, he has to be clear of the football direction he wants to take.

"With Ancelotti, Everton pursued the tried-and-tested, proven experienced manager and stellar name. If that is what Moshiri still wants, Benitez is an obvious candidate."