ROBERTO MARTINEZ is a surprise possibility to return to Everton as manager.

Everton are planning a surprise return of Roberto Martinez to replace the sacked Rafa Benitez, with hero Wayne Rooney also on the target list.

Following the sacking of Rafa Benitez after six dreadful months in charge, owner Farhad Moshiri has targeted Wayne Rooney and Goodison No 2 Duncan Ferguson.

Everton dropped to 16th place after a dismal 2-1 loss against Norwich on Saturday, just six points above the relegation zone.

That was the final straw for Moshiri, who terminated ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for the fifth time in six years.

Martinez, the current head coach of the Belgian national team, was fired by Moshiri in 2016.

However, the billionaire is evaluating the possibility of reuniting with the Spaniard.

Last month, Bazzup Sports reported that Derby manager Rooney would be a target if Benitez’s disastrous reign came to an end, and that there is board backing for bringing the former striker back to his spiritual home.

The Manchester United and England veteran, who began his career at Everton, is said to be interested in the proposal.

With no budget and a 21-point deduction for financial malfeasance, Rooney, 36, has done marvels in his first year as the Rams’ head coach.

At Carrow Road, enraged Toffees fans chanted’sacked in the morning,’ while another raced onto the ground to confront Benitez.

Benitez’s dismissal was announced in a short, 40-word statement that did not even thank him.

“We knew it wouldn’t be easy and that it would be a great test, both emotionally and in terms of sport,” the 61-year-old Spaniard remarked on Sunday night.

“I accepted this assignment because of my passion for this city, Merseyside, and its people, but it is only once you are inside that you realize the gravity of the undertaking.”

“However, the financial predicament, followed by the injuries, made things much more difficult.

“I am confident that once the injured players returned and the new signings arrived, we would have been much better.”

Ferguson, 50, Benitez’s right-hand man, will be considered for the role on a permanent basis, and the fans’ favorite is expected to be chosen caretaker once more.

Everton are also considering Brighton manager Graham Potter, having already identified technical director Dan Ashworth of the Seagulls as a possible replacement for sacked director of football Marcel Brands.

Nuno Espirito Santo and Frank Lampard are other contenders.