David Moyes has agreed in principle to become Everton's new manager, with the club set to sign a two-and-a-half year contract.
Moyes met with representatives from Everton's new owners Friedkin Group (TFG) on Friday to discuss his return to the club, which he managed from 2002 to 2013. Negotiations are progressing well and an agreement is expected to be announced on Saturday morning.
The length of the 61-year-old's contract is not an issue, with Moyes expected to sign him until the end of the 2026-27 season. This means the club's former manager will be in charge of Everton's first season at their new stadium at Bramley Moor Dock.
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TFG has named Moyes as its top target after parting ways with Dyche, who was sacked hours before Thursday's FA Cup game against Peterborough as Everton move one point above the relegation zone. Interest in Graham Potter, selected by West Ham this week, did not develop into a contract offer, and Jose Mourinho, who was sacked by Roma by the TFG 12 months ago, was not considered.
Everton's owners believe Moyes can steer the team away from relegation this season. They also want him to lay a long-term foundation as TFG plan for a move to a new stadium and a more stable period after the turmoil of Farhad Moshiri's tenure. If terms are agreed, the Scottish player will become Everton's ninth permanent manager in nine years.
Moyes has been out of work since ending a successful four-and-a-half spell at West Ham last season. He claimed in a recent interview that he does not want to return to the management of a club that is in a relegation battle. However, the Goodison Park club is an exception due to its links with Everton. Everton host Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday and were always confident the former Preston, Manchester United, Real Sociedad and Sunderland manager would be in charge by then.
Moyes will need to appoint a new backroom team at Everton after Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer also left the club along with Dyche on Thursday. Billy McKinlay, who worked with Moyes at West Ham, has been named for the role.
