Everton have reportedly pulled out of talks with Rafael Benitez amid fan protests against the appointment of the former Liverpool boss.

Benitez had emerged as the front runner for the position following Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave Merseyside for Real Madrid, with the Spaniard available after leaving Chinese Super League side Dalian Professional earlier this year.

Everton are now understood to have withdrawn from talks with Benitez, with talkSPORT reporting that a furious reaction from the fanbase has changed the mind of the club’s board.

Supporters hung banners outside of Goodison Park protesting against the possible appointment of Benitez and the Toffees’ now appear to have listened to the fans concerns over the 61-year-old’s previous allegiances across the city.

Benitez spent six season in charge at Liverpool and remains a popular figure at Anfield, having won the Champions League and FA Cup during his time with the Reds.

Benitez has also had Premier League spells with Chelsea and Newcastle and is understood to be open to the possibility of returning to England, the Spaniard’s family still living on Merseyside.

Toffees owner Farhad Moshiri has also held ‘inconclusive’ talks with former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo about the position before making a move for Benitez, though Everton now look set to move on to alternative targets.

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