EVERTON are likely to test Bryan Robson's apparent determination to stay in charge at Middlesbrough by inviting him to take up a senior managerial post at Goodison Park this summer.

The Merseyside club's rich chairman, Peter Johnson, is believed anxious to pair Robson with Bobby Robson, the Barcelona coach, who is clear favourite to succeed Joe Royle.

Royle resigned his post last week after a sequence of poor results that has left Everton five points clear of the Premiership's relegation zone.

If Johnson can persuade Rob son senior to forsake Spain and return to England at the end of the season, he would like to instal Robson junior as his assistant.

Though Bryan Robson has led Middlesbrough to this weekend's League Cup final against Leicester City and to a forthcoming FA Cup semi final appearance against Chesterfield, he still has a family home in the north west and may find irresistible the prospect of playing a meaningful part in Everton's long promised renaissance.