Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov is behind Everton's push for Rafa Benitez, it has been revealed.
Spanish pundit Guillem Balague says Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and Usmanov "feel the club needs an impulse from top to bottom" and it is why Benitez is in the frame for the job.
Balague authored a behind-the-scenes book, published in 2006, during Benitez's time at Liverpool.
Usmanov is not a shareholder at Everton but a number of his companies are sponsors of the club, including USM and MegaFon.
Balague wrote: "It's a turning point for Everton and for owners Moshiri but mostly Usmanov Two forces are at play and fans should consider that -those that want nothing to change and in fear of it, and those - the ambitious Usmanov included - that feel club needs an impulse from top to bottom."
Both Usmanov and Moshiri are former major Arsenal shareholders.
