Sources: Benitez gives Everton green light to make Coady his first marquee signing | OneFootball

Rafael Benitez has given the green light for Everton to pursue Wolves star Conor Coady this summer, Football Insider understands.

The centre-back, 28, was discussed as a top target with Nuno Espirito Santo when he spoke to Goodison chiefs.

A club source has told Football Insider that Coady has also been mentioned during talks with Benitez and the plan is to launch a bid for him this summer.

Wolves need to offload some of their star men before they can make any major summer purchases.

That could mean them listening to offers for ex-Liverpool academy product and boyhood Red Coady.

Benitez has agreed to be the new Everton manager after a breakthrough in talks and could be appointed as early as today.

Coady only missed one Premier League game in three seasons under Nuno as a mainstay in his Wolves side.

He was also a regular feature during Wolves’ Europa League campaign last season.

Coady joined Wolves from Huddersfield in 2015 after being loaned to Sheffield United the previous year.

He made two senior appearances for Liverpool during his time at the club.

He is currently away at Euro 2020 with England and featured on the bench against Croatia.

Coady could end up playing in the tournament with centre back options thin on the ground for Gareth Southgate.

Benitez most recently managed in China with Dalian Professional.

The Spaniard’s main family home is in Merseyside and he does not regard his strong Liverpool connections as a hurdle to taking the Everton job.

In other news, major update on Ferguson future at Everton as Benitez stance revealed