David Moyes is in talks with Everton over a potential return to Goodison Park after the sacking of manager Sean Dyche.
While a deal is not yet done, and Moyes is not the only candidate, BBC Sport has been told by a well-placed source that the Scot is the frontrunner.
Negotiations over a contract are set to continue on Friday.
Ex-Burnley boss Dyche was dismissed on Thursday with the club 16th in the Premier League, just one point clear of the relegation zone.
They have won just three of 19 games in the league this season.