Marcelo Bielsa turns down Everton managerial offer, Sean Dyche set to take over

Everton have suffered a setback in their search for a new manager with Marcelo Bielsa rejecting the chance to take charge of the club, according to the Daily Mail.

The ex-Leeds United boss was earmarked as the top candidate to replace Frank Lampard following the latter’s dismissal off the back of a torrid run of results which saw him win just one of his last 14 league matches.

Bielsa had earlier cited his concerns over Everton’s lack of pace when he was contacted for the job but talks continued as the Toffees remained keen on landing their prime target.

Unsurprisingly, Bielsa has now rejected Everton’s proposal, although he is still believed to be open to joining the club next summer when he would have ample time to work on the squad.

This comes as yet another blow in under a week for the Merseyside-based outfit, who recently had their deal for Arnaut Danjuma hijacked by Tottenham Hotspur, while youngster Anthony Gordon is reportedly on his way out of Goodison Park and has refused to train over the last couple of days.

Bielsa’s refusal to take the reins has seen Sean Dyche emerge as the favourite for the Everton managerial hot seat.

Ralph Hasenhüttl and Carlos Corberan were also under consideration, but Dyche is now on course for a second stint in the Premier League having previously managed Burnley.

However, there is still work to be done regarding Dyche’s appointment as the 51-year-old seeks a longer contract than what Everton are prepared to offer at the moment.

With just eight days before Everton’s next involvement against Arsenal, the Toffees will be keen to have filled their managerial vacancy before then.

They currently sit 19th in the league standings, albeit only two points from safety just past the midway point of the 2022-23 campaign.