EDDIE Howe apparently “tops” Everton’s list as a possible replacement for Roberto Martinez should the Merseyside outfit decide to part company with the Spaniard, claims a report in a national newspaper.

The Sun today suggested Howe would be “in contention” for the position and said the Cherries boss was “highly regarded” at Goodison Park where “influential figures” were “long-term admirers”.

According to the article, Everton chiefs were keen on Howe “even before Farhad Moshiri became majority shareholder in February”.

Martinez has come in for some heavy criticism this season, which intensified following Everton’s defeat in the FA Cup semi-final by Manchester United yesterday and after losing the Merseyside derby in midweek.

However, in exclusive interviews with the Daily Echo, Howe, 38, has repeatedly said he would remain committed to Cherries while current owner Maxim Demin was at the helm.

And when asked earlier this month about the possibility of bigger clubs looking at him in light of his success with Cherries this season, Howe said: “I am absolutely committed to the challenges I face here and committed to AFC Bournemouth as much as I ever have been. I want to take this club into new ground all the time.”

Howe, who supported Everton as a youngster, is set to go head to head with Martinez when Cherries face the Toffees at Goodison on Saturday.