Former Everton midfielder Don Hutchinson has questioned the club's interest in Fabio Cannavaro as the next full-time manager.
The Toffees sacked Rafa Benitez after a 2-1 defeat to Norwich City last weekend.
It ended a run of one win in 13 Premier League games and the club hovering above relegation in 16th place, six points above the drop.
Benitez took over in the summer having managed rivals Liverpool 12 years earlier and by the end of his reign at Goodison Park, a significant number of fans were calling for him to leave.
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Club legend Duncan Ferguson will lead the team out for the short-term until a replacement is found.
Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are two names linked with the vacant job, as well as World Cup winner Cannavaro.
The Italian has spent the past nine years managing in China and Dubai and for Hutchinson, the move would result in a 'gamble' on the side of the Premier League club.
“What a story, I mean, I’m stunned to be honest," Hutchinson said on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast.
"I’m not sure what CV he has to warrant a job like Everton. It’s another gamble from Farhad Moshiri. I can’t imagine it’s a Bill Kenwright pick.
"I heard rumours months ago that Bill Kenwright wanted Roberto Martinez back, but Moshiri put his foot down and insisted on Rafa, and that was always going to end in tears.
“They have to make sure they get this one right, and I wouldn’t be in a hurry if I was Everton. Whatever they do they mustn’t rush this appointment.
"I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Graham Potter has to be the number one choice in my opinion. Mourinho would be a gamble still. I’m stunned, I’ve seen the Cannavaro news and I thought ‘how?’ What is the criteria? How does he deserve a job like Everton? I’m not sure.”
The ECHO understands that while some preliminary discussions may have taken place with the 48-year-old, Everton are not currently considering Cannavaro for the vacant manager's position.
