Everton reportedly ‘keen’ to beat Newcastle United and poach highly-rated Brighton figure

Everton are reportedly 'keen' on poaching Brighton and Hove Albion technical director Dan Ashworth.

The Toffees are not just looking for a new manager after the sacking of Rafa Benitez. They are also searching for their next director of football.

Background

Marcel Brands, who split opinion among fans, departed the club at the start of last month.

The Dutchman had been in his Goodison Park role for three-and-a-half years. Steve Walsh had previously been in the position.

A director of football is a key backroom role in modern-day football.

Their remit involves numerous things, including building a philosophy throughout the club and being involved in recruitment of players.

What’s been said

Everton will be hoping to get their appointment right this time around and Ashworth is someone they're said to covet, as per 90min.

Brighton prised Ashworth from the FA in September 2018. He had been working as director of elite development at the FA.

At the Seagulls, the 50-year-old has been at the fulcrum of the club establishing themselves in the Premier League and they currently sit ninth in the table.

It was Ashworth who appointed Graham Potter. as head coach at the Amex Stadium in the summer of 2019. He had been linked with the Everton manager's job.

Ashworth has also helped make the women's and girls' set-ups improve markedly on the south coast.

Previous to joining the FA, he spent five years as West Brom's sporting and technical director.

Newcastle United have also been linked with trying to prise Ashworth to St James' Park following their Saudia Arabian takeover.

Will Dan Ashworth join Everton?

Ashworth has recently appointed former Toffees defender David Weir as his assistant technical director at Brighton.

Weir, who was linked with rejoining Everton in December, was working as loans manager.

That suggests that Ashworth may be looking to expand behind the scenes at the Seagulls as they push for European football in the coming years.