Jose Mourinho has to be Everton’s first choice, while they could be in a relegation battle under Frank de Boer – Joey Barton tells talkSPORT

Joey Barton has spoken to talkSPORT to share his thoughts on Everton’s managerial search, on the day Roberto Martinez was sacked by the Merseyside club.

The Spaniard was dismissed the day after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Sunderland, which guarantees the Toffees will finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table this term.

After a record points total in his debut season, and an excellent fifth placed finish, things have only been going downhill for Martinez, and Everton need to ensure they bring in the correct manager to fix his mistakes.

Frank de Boer is considered front-runner for the job, having confirmed his exit from Ajax this week, while both Jose Mourinho and Ronald Koeman have been touted as potential managers for the Goodison Park club.

It is Mourinho who Barton believes has to be hired, as he has a proven record in English football, although Southampton boss Koeman is also thought of highly by the midfielder.

Speaking as Drive co-host, the boyhood Everton fan said: “You need tried and tested in the Premier League. No disrespect to De Boer, he is a good manager, and will prove that in time, but I don’t think he’s for Everton now.

"If you could get Koeman, I think he’s proven himself in the Premier League. If you look at his track record as a player and as a coach, he has a track record of winning.

"If you can get Mourinho, you’ve got to get Mourinho. He has to be first choice, just because he’s as good as anyone. You’ve got to forget what’s happened this year at Chelsea, if Mourinho is given the right money and assurances he’s one of the best out there.”

Barton, who has just helped Burnley back into the top flight, places De Boer last in his wishlist, suggesting that his lack of Premier League experience could mean the Dutch boss sends the Toffees into a relegation scrap if appointed manager.

He added: “Failing that [hiring Mourinho] I would go Koeman, and if all else fails, take a chance on De Boer. But if you take a chance on De Boer you could be sitting very close to a relegation battle next season. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get an upturn in form.”