Former Everton star Victor Anichebe has claimed it would be a ‘joke’ if the Toffees were to re-appoint Roberto Martinez following Rafa Benitez’s dismissal.
Martinez , who is currently managing the Belgium national team, has been heavily linked with a return to Goodison Park having previously managed the club between 2013-16.
The Spaniard was the first in a long line of managers to be sacked under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership.
Anichebe joined West Brom shortly after Martinez’s appointment, and the former Nigeria star was unimpressed at the prospect of the 48-year-old returning to the club.
LIVE: Roberto Martinez talks, Tim Cahill rumours, Wayne Rooney latest
READ MORE: Farhad Moshiri needs two things as Wayne Rooney truth at Everton
When asked in an interview for Sky Sports News on his thoughts about rumours linking Martinez with a return to the Toffees, he delivered a blunt response.
"I've heard the likes of Martinez and people like this - is that some kind of joke? That you'd bring Martinez back to the club. It's actually quite funny to think of it."
When prompted to explain his view on the potential return of the Spaniard, Anichebe claimed the atmosphere surrounding the club would be as destructive as it was under Benitez.
He added: "They finished fifth in the first season [under Martinez] with David Moyes' team. The next season I think it was 11th twice.
"Sometimes I think people don't remember what happened before. There were protests to get him out of the club.
"So you've gone from one toxic situation to bring back another toxic situation that happened when Martinez was at the club.
"Yeah he played good football but he's more of just a good talker. He's really good at talking.
"He's been manager at Belgium for a long time, who have been ranked No 1 for how long? Where's he finished?
"They haven't won anything, they've got knocked out against Wales, Italy and France who are two really good teams too. They've been top ranked for so long.
"And that's the first manager that Moshiri sacked so why would you want to bring him back?
"You've gone through a manager that had the disconnect in Benitez with the fans.
"To bring back another that they held fan protests to get him out of the club - if they actually do that it's a joke again.
"It's an absolute joke to even think of it. He plays good football but it's not Everton."
