Rio Ferdinand has admitted Wayne Rooney is the name that 'jumps out' to be Rafa Benitez's successor at Everton, but remains unsure if his former Manchester United team-mate would be prepared to leave Derby County mid-season.
Rooney has been battling off-field issues ever since taking over the Rams in 2020 and has seen his side docked 21 points for the current Championship season due to financial issues at the club.
Despite this major setback, the 36-year-old has guided the team to within eight points of safety and has not given up hope of completing what would represent one of the greatest escapes of all-time.
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Ferdinand has no doubt that Everton fans would be 'going crazy' if Rooney was to be appointed as Benitez's full-time replacement, but has questioned whether his strong bond built at Derby could prevent a move.
"It's difficult because each name brings different value to the club," he told BT Sport when discussing the potential candidates for the Blues job.
"Rooney jumps out at me because of the fantastic job he is doing at Derby. The resources he has to work with there are crazy, and there is a lot going on off the field.
"If he joined Everton, he would leave a job unfinished [at Derby] and I don't know if Wazza would be comfortable doing that. At the same time, getting the opportunity to manage at Everton, can he turn that away?
"Out of all the names, Wayne Rooney is the one that the fans would be going crazy about.
"Mourinho and Potter, I don't think they would get. That leaves Frank Lampard, Rooney and Martinez. I'd be equally happy with Wayne or Frank."
For the time being, Duncan Ferguson will take temporary charge of the team - starting this Saturday against Aston Villa.
Ex-Reading and Fulham midfielder Steve Sidwell believes the Scot will galvanise the first-team players, providing the Toffees with the perfect platform to bring about a change in fortunes.
Sidwell said: "You know when the teams come out with Big Dunc walking behind them, it is going to be electric.
"What he will do is strip it back to basics. At a time in need, you can't start confusing players. He will tell them 'Go out and give these fans what they want to see.'"
On the lively atmosphere expected to be witnessed when Steven Gerrard's side visit the home of the Blues, Ferdinand added: "That's what the Everton fans are about.
"I used to play when Moyes was there and it was a hard place to go. They were aggressive, up against you, elbows around your earholes.
"The energy has been sapped out of the place in the recent weeks. When Rafa went in there, a lot of the fans weren't happy about it in the first place. It was almost a poisoned chalice before he started."
