Belgium have rejected an approach from Everton to speak to manager Roberto Martinez about the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park.
Everton have made a formal approach to re-appoint their former manager following Rafael Benitez’s dismissal on Sunday, with Martinez keen on a return to the Premier League side where he previously coached between 2013 and 2016.
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However, the Spaniard is unwilling to leave Belgium immediately given the World Cup takes place this winter and had hoped that the Royal Belgian Football Association would agree on a dual role in charge of both teams until the end of the year.
The Guardian are reporting that Everton have been knocked back in their approach for the 48-year-old, with Belgium keen to avoid any potential complications ahead of their World Cup campaign in November.
Belgian FA not intentioned to give the ‘green light’ for Roberto Martinez to be appointed as new Everton manager. They want him to be stay for the World Cup 2022. 🇧🇪 #EFC
There’s also no full agreement yet between Martinez and Everton on potential contract, as things stand. pic.twitter.com/Ig8r9awZrN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2022
Discussions for Martinez – who was sacked at Everton in 2016 – to take the role on an interim basis until the end of the season were also rejected, given Belgium take part in the Nations League in June.
Everton will now turn their attention towards alternative targets as the club look to address a woeful recent record in the Premier League, with Benitez having won just one of his last 13 games to leave the Toffees just six points clear of the relegation places.
Wayne Rooney has been mentioned as a potential candidate following his work at Derby County, whilst both Jose Mourinho and Frank Lampard are other names understood to be in the frame.
Duncan Ferguson is expected to take caretaker charge of the side, having previously fulfilled the role following the sacking of Marco Silva in 2019.
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