JOSE MOURINHO is a shock managerial target for Everton if they sack Rafa Benitez, according to reports.

The current Toffees boss is fighting for his future after a horror run of just two points from their last eight games.

And according to the Mirror, they may consider his long-term rival Mourinho as his replacement.

The Portuguese is currently in charge at Roma having taken over in the summer.

But things are not going as smoothly as he would have wanted so far with fall-outs with players, journalists and referees.

The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs chief saw his side thumped 3-0 at home by Inter on Saturday.

That result left Roma 13 points adrift of the Serie A leaders AC Milan – and nine off the Champions League places already.

However, Mourinho's Premier League pedigree – winning three titles at Stamford Bridge – could see him targeted by Everton chiefs.

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Goodison Park chairman Bill Kenwright called an emergency board meeting on Friday to discuss Benitez's position.

There is growing concern about the nosedive in form.

Wednesday's 4-1 Merseyside derby defeat ensured Everton are in the worst run of form for 27 years.

Director of football Marcel Brands flew in from Holland specifically for the crisis talks at the Finch Farm training ground.

Owner Farhad Moshini is expected to arrive back in Merseyside from the USA this weekend and will meet with board members ahead of Monday night's fixture at home to Arsenal.

Everton, who face Chelsea and Leicester before Christmas, currently sit just five points above the relegation zone ahead of Sunday's fixtures.

However, Moshiri gave the ex-Liverpool boss the dreaded public vote of confidence.

Asked if the club back Benitez, he told talkSPORT's Jim White: "Yes. Football is about crisis one day and glory the following day.

“Rafa is a good manager and under-performance is largely due to injuries.

“Next two weeks, we will get a full squad and in the meantime, results will improve.

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“Rafa needs time to have his mark on the squad. He will be supported to have time.

“Managers need time. I have no doubt that we will have a strong second-half to the season.”

Benitez is the favourite as the next Premier League manager to go with the odds on Wayne Rooney to take over slashed in recent days.

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