Alex Neil has been tipped as a potential candidate to replace Marco Silva as Everton manager.

Reports emerged on Monday that the Toffees' boss was under pressure in his role with Eddie Howe and David Moyes among the contenders to replace the former Watford boss.

While Silva is still in position at Goodison Park, it hasn't stopped people from speculating over who could take his place in the hotseat.

Chris Sutton, who made his name playing for clubs such as Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers and Celtic, has backed the Preston North End manager as a man who is deserving of an opportunity in the Premier League.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, as quoted by Lancashire Live, he said: "I tell you who they should be looking at in my opinion: Alex Neil. I think he deserves an opportunity at the highest level.

How much do you know about Alex Neil? Have a go of our quiz and find out!

"David Moyes left Preston to go to Everton and he's [Neil] a progressive, young manager doing great things.

"I think what he's done at Norwich, I know things didn't end well for him there - he's taken a club like Preston with a small budget and done unbelievable things. He's probably taken them as far as they can go, albeit they will want promotion.

The verdict

There's no doubting the fine work that Alex Neil has done with Preston, however it would be hard to ignore the advance of a club in the Premier League.

The job that he's done with Norwich City and now Preston shows that he's one of the top managers in the Championship, and frankly, he deserves an opportunity in the top flight.

Whether that's with Preston or someone else, it's only a matter of time before Neil will find himself in the promised land.