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Nuno Espirito Santo believes he can help Everton secure an important signing if they give him the manager’s job instead of Rafael Benitez.

Everton are on the lookout for a successor to Carlo Ancelotti after the Italian left to return to Real Madrid. Benitez appeared to be the frontrunner, although such a move would be controversial due to his past with Liverpool. As such, Everton are weighing up alternative candidates as well.

A recent report claimed they are working from an eight-name shortlist. Nuno is one of the three top names on that list, along with Benitez and Roberto Martinez.

After leaving Wolves at the end of the season, Nuno is seeking an instant return to management. He was quickly linked with the Everton job after Ancelotti’s exit, although appeared to have been overtaken by Benitez recently. But he is very much still in contention.

As such, Football Insider claim he has told the club how he could help them address an area of need in the transfer market. The website suggests that Nuno would want Everton to sign Matt Doherty if he took over.

Doherty previously played under Nuno at Wolves before leaving for Tottenham Hotspur last summer. That move has not quite gone to plan, as he only managed one-third of the goal contributions he did in his last season at Molineux.

The Republic of Ireland international could thus leave Tottenham after just one season and Nuno would be keen for a reunion.

The Portuguese coach would prefer to use a back three at Everton and would need further options at wing-back. Seamus Coleman is in the latter years of his career, so more competition is required on the right.

Given his past association with Nuno, Doherty would be an ideal acquisition if Spurs are willing to sell. They signed him to a contract until 2024, so could either wait for him to get back to his best or cut their losses.

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If they opt for the latter decision, Everton could make a move – although it would hinge on whether they put Nuno in charge or not. Furthermore, the Toffees would need to sell players before they can fund new signings, despite being willing to invest.

Benitez would want Doherty’s ex-teammate

Coincidentally, Everton have also been linked with someone Doherty used to play with for Wolves if Benitez gets the job.

The same source recently claimed Benitez has lined up Wolves defender Conor Coady as an ideal signing.

Coady’s name came up in previous talks with Nuno. A general feeling arose that they could prise him away from Molineux with the right offer.

It seems both managers would be keen to sign the centre-back. It remains to be seen if Wolves would sell, and if Doherty could join him.

READ MORE: Ancelotti eager to continue love affair with affordable Everton star

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