Sam Allardyce has played down speculation that he could return to Everton as their next manager.
The Blues are searching for a replacement for Frank Lampard, following his sacking on Monday afternoon. The 44-year-old had lasted 12 months in the job, but left Goodison Park with the club in the relegation zone.
Everton have already been linked with a host of names as potential candidates to replace Lampard. The likes of Marcelo Bielsa, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Mauricio Pochettino and Sean Dyche have all been linked with the job, and so too has Allardyce.
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The 68-year-old spent six months in charge of the Blues in the 2017/18 season. He replaced Ronald Koeman in November 2017, but left at the end of the season.
With rumours speculating that Allardyce could be in for a return to Merseyside, he has explained why he thinks that’s unlikely to happen.
"If I was going to Everton, they would have already rang me,” said Allardyce on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, via William Hill and Footy Accumulators.
"I know Farhad Moshiri and have a lot of respect for him and the money he has found for Everton.
“They have not invested like Newcastle have invested. They have invested in players who haven't delivered through various different managers.
"I only bought two when I was there, but I still hold up to my achievement, because it was the best. From 16th, 17th to eighth in 22 matches.
“So, what they need is someone who can go in and get the team functioning correctly straight away.
“Contrary to all the negativity that goes about, we talk about defending and it’s true. That’s why they’re bottom of the league.
“Everton struggles for a goalscorer now, so they have to concentrate on clean sheets. Because without them, they way they’re going, they’re not going to win a game.
“The only real goalscorer they’ve got is Calvert-Lewin. Maupay hasn’t worked, so it’s very difficult.
“You’re trying to get those 1-0 wins, but those clean sheets will be all important to Everton’s survival.”
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