Gareth Southgate could be about to make his return to management in the Premier League after being identified as a target, according to reports. The former England boss has been away from the dugout since leaving the Three Lions after leading them to the Euro 2024 final.

Southgate has been attending matches as a UEFA technical observer in recent months but remains without a job in management. That may be about to change, though, with GiveMeSport reporting that he could be appointed by Everton following their impending takeover.

It was announced on Monday that the Friedkin Group had agreed to purchase Farhad Moshiri's majority stake in the club. The incoming owners have reportedly identified Southgate as a candidate to replace Sean Dyche if the latter is relieved of his duties.

Dan Friedkin, the club's prospective new owner, is said to be keen on appointing Southgate if the takeover goes through as expected. However, he is yet to make a firm decision on whether to sack Dyche and bring in a new manager at Goodison Park.

The report adds that while Dyche's future will be assessed, he is not being blamed for Everton throwing away two-goal leads against Bournemouth and Aston Villa. There is said to be an acceptance that his hands have been tied by restrictions in the transfer market.

There is also a feeling that it might be better to stick with Dyche for the time being, given that Everton are not due to face any of the Premier League's big six until December.

Key figures are thought to be confident that Armando Broja will make a significant difference to their hopes of survival when he returns to full fitness. The forward, who joined on loan from Chelsea in the summer, is currently nursing a foot injury suffered during pre-season.

It remains to be seen if Southgate will eventually return to management at Everton, who are currently in the relegation zone with just one point on the board. He has not taken charge of a club side in over a decade, having most recently managed Middlesbrough between 2006 and 2009.

Southgate was previously linked with a move to Manchester United and reportedly spoke to Old Trafford chiefs at the end of last season. However, they ultimately decided to show faith in Erik ten Hag by handing the Dutchman a new and improved contract.