Everton boss David Moyes has offered Alan Irvine a return to Goodison Park after his axing from Preston. Irvine was appointed at Deepdale from his post as assistant to former North End boss David Moyes at Everton, helping Preston beat the drop in his first season in charge before guiding them to last season's Championship play-off semi-finals, where they were beaten by Sheffield United.

Moyes has told his fellow Scot he could do some coaching at Finch Farm before he gets another job in football.

"I was with Alan last night and I have said to him he is welcome to come in. He is a student of the game and won't sit at home," said Moyes, who learned his trade at Preston.

"I was really disappointed for Alan. He was my assistant for a long time. I am also friendly with the people at Preston as well.

"So it was a shock to me as I think it was to everyone in football. They have a tight budget but every club is the same.

"Alan has done such a good job he will undoubtedly work again. It would not surprise me if he gets one of the big jobs going around at the moment."