**Everton are set to reappoint former scouting chief James Smith this summer.**
Smith spent a decade as head of technical scouting during David Moyes’ first spell in charge before following his superior to Manchester United in 2013.
He has been Manchester City’s director of scouting and recruitment since late 2023 but is now expected to depart amid a behind-the-scenes restructuring.
Smith’s return would be as Dan Purdy’s de facto replacement as head of recruitment after he opted to join Rangers at the end of last season.
Purdy reunited with Kevin Thelwell after the Blues’ former director of football took an identical position at Ibrox after three-and-a-half years on Merseyside.
Everton, meanwhile, have begun to assemble a new-look operations which is being overseen up by the club’s recently appointed CEO Angus Kinnear.