Fabio Cannavaro cut from 40/1 to 5/1 following Everton ‘interview’

A left-field option has emerged as a serious contender in the betting to become the new Everton manager.

Introduced to the market at 40/1 on Thursday, Italy’s former World Cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro can now be found at just 5/1 to replace Rafa Benitez, who was sent packing on Sunday.

The sudden slash in price follows an article by Jason Burt in the Telegraph which reports that Cannavaro has not only been interviewed by the Merseyside club but “impressed in initial talks on Wednesday”.

However, in a conflicting report, the Liverpool Echo states: “Everton are not currently considering Fabio Cannavaro for the vacant manager's position”.

No.1 target and former Blues boss Roberto Martinez is out of the picture after the Belgian FA blocked a move, as is Jose Mourinho who had this to say after Roma’s win over Lecce on Thursday: “I would not change this project for any other and will not leave before the three years are up”.

Caretaker Duncan Ferguson and Derby manager Wayne Rooney can both be backed at 11/4 at the top of the market, swiftly pursued by Frank Lampard at 5/1. There are a whole host of managers out at 33/1, including Graham Potter, Lucien Favre, and Nuno Santo.

As for new entry Cannavaro, he is currently looking for a fresh opportunity after spending four years in charge of Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande where he won the title, finished runners-up twice, and lifted the Chinese FA Super Cup during his second spell, having previously taken charge for seven months between 2014 and 2015.

Cannavaro, who left Guangzhou in September, would later reveal that his decision was based on COVID-19, which had prevented the Italian from seeing his family. 

He had a reported salary of £10.6million-a-year which made him one of the best paid football managers in the world. However, Tencent Sports reports that he gave up 15 months of salary/bonuses, worth 24 million euros.

As a first team coach the 48-year-old helped Middle Eastern side Al-Ahli win the UAE Pro League and UAE League Cup titles. He’d later take Tianjin Quanjian into the Chinese Super League as champions, followed by a 3rd place finish in the top-flight. He also counts Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr as a former club, and managed the China national team for two games.

In terms of his style, Cannavaro previously told Sky Sports that he’s influenced by both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

"I like the Klopp mentality but at the same time, I like the Pep culture about football because always we need intensity with and without the ball,” he said in 2020.

"But you need to control the game and try to win. I have my system and I hope one day you [Premier League] will see."

For the time being, all eyes will be on Ferguson on Saturday when he begins a second spell as Everton’s caretaker manager; facing off with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard - now Aston Villa manager - at Goodison Park.

Everton are the 46/25 favourites to grab a rare three points, Villa are the narrow favourites at 43/25, with a draw available at 47/20 (all with SBK). Full match odds here.