Journalist lauds Everton's director of football candidate Steve Hitchen

According to journalist Dean Jones, ‘a lot of people speak very highly’ about former Tottenham Hotspur chief Steve Hitchen amid interest in his services from Everton.

The 45-year-old resigned from his role as the capital club’s director of technical performance at the start of February after five years in the role.

According to The Guardian, Hitchen became frustrated in his previous position after his role on the recruitment side had been marginalised after the arrival of Fabio Paratici as the managing director of football last summer.

Although the former Macclesfield Town defender did come in for criticism from some Spurs supporters for their transfer business, he remains a well-respected figure within the sport.

The Telegraph claim that Hitchen negotiated deals for Bruno Fernandes, Paulo Dybala, Jack Grealish and James Ward-Prowse only for the club to back out of completing the transfers over financial issues.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho was said to be ‘genuinely thrilled’ when Hitchen helped to sign all of his top targets in the summer of 2020, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Sergio Reguilon, Matt Doherty and Gareth Bale all arriving. 

Despite many acquisitions not working out as hoped, the ex-scout also shared a close relationship with former manager Mauricio Pochettino and was well-liked by current boss Antonio Conte before his departure.

Everton are believed to be keen to speak to Hitchen regarding their director of football vacancy following the departure of Marcel Brands.

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And Jones claims that he ‘did a lot of good work’ with the north London outfit throughout his time at the club.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think Steve Hitchen did a lot of good work at