Everton willing to make Southampton’s Ronald Koeman one of the Premier League’s best-paid managers – reports

Everton are willing to make Southampton manager Ronald Koeman one of the highest-paid bosses in the Premier League to join them this summer, according to reports.

Koeman has been among the list of managers linked with the Goodison Park hotseat following the departure of Roberto Martinez one game from the end of the season.

The likes of David Moyes, Manuel Pellegrini and former Ajax boss Frank de Boer are also thought to be in the running, but with the Merseysiders keen to bring in a man with proven premier League success, Koeman is at the top of their list.

And recent reports claim Everton, boosted by the millions of new investor Farhad Moshiri, are set to offer the Dutchman a £6million-a-year contract to become their next full-time boss.

Koeman’s current Southampton contract runs until 2017 and he is yet to commit to a new deal.

But, despite other reported interest from Arsenal, they remain confident he will reject any offers to re-sign at St Mary’s - despite offering a significantly lower £2.5m-per-year contract.

Everton are willing to raise the Saints by more the double to convince Koeman to sign, with a contract offer which would put him only behind Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola.

Koeman has worked wonders during his time with the Saints, having guided the club to their highest ever Premier League finish this season - sixth place - despite losing a number of key players over the past few transfer windows.