Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman, intends to speak to Wigan's Roberto Martinez in the "next 48 hours" over the managerial vacancy at Goodison Park.
Martinez is the firm favourite to succeed David Moyes after Wigan confirmed they had granted the Merseysiders permission to speak to the Spaniard.
Yet Kenwright insists the 39-year-old is not the only candidate and other options will be explored. Cardiff's Malky Mackay and Porto coach Vitor Pereira have also been linked with the position, while there are also internal candidates in David Weir, Phil Neville, Duncan Ferguson and Alan Stubbs.
Kenwright said: "I will meet Roberto in the next 48 hours. He is on the list, as I have always said."
Martinez has been courted by Aston Villa and Liverpool in each of the past two summers but remained at the DW Stadium, where he took charge in 2009. His stock has risen again this year following Wigan's stunning success in the FA Cup but he has opted to leave the club after failing to avoid relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
Everton are looking for a new manager for the first time in 11 years following Moyes' decision to move to Manchester United. Kenwright believes he has the support of the majority of fans.
"I said we'd be making a list, and Evertonians have been great as I indicated I thought they would be," said Kenwright. They've bombarded me with their thoughts and they're not a million miles away from mine.
"You always get the odd one that thinks he's got the only idea, and there are a few plumbers and electricians who think they can manage Everton but, in the main, Evertonians and myself are sort of on the same page. The most gratifying thing is 90 per cent have said, 'You didn't let us down last time, go with your gut instinct and hopefully you'll get it right again'.
"There's no way I or anyone can say, 'We'll get the right man' but I certainly will put everything into getting it right and getting the right DNA for Everton Football Club."
Martinez joined Wigan as a player in 1995. He later played for Motherwell, Walsall, Swansea and Chester before beginning his management career back at Swansea.
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