Sean Dyche has re-emerged as the favourite to take over at Goodison Park as doubts over Marcelo Bielsa’s enthusiasm for the job increased.
The former Burnley boss is the front runner and is expected to have talks with owner Farhad Moshiri and the Everton board on Thursday. Moshiri is a fan of 67-year-old Bielsa but the Argentinian coach is said to have serious reservations about succeeding Frank Lampard.
That could pave the way for Dyche, 51, who is eager to make a return to the Premier League and is a big admirer of the club. Former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl and West Brom manager Carlos Corberan have also been linked with the Everton post
However, Dyche is believed to be the number one alternative to Bielsa and Moshiri is said to want a replacement for Lampard in position by the end of Thursday. Whoever takes over will have to deal with the Anthony Gordon situation as it emerged the England Under-21 international had missed training for a second day in succession.
Newcastle are keen to sign Gordon and Everton’s financial situation means a £40million offer for a player whose contract expires in the summer of 2024 would be hard to turn down. But time is becoming crucial for Everton as the closure of the transfer window approaches and with a new manager certain to want reinforcements for the battle against relegation in the second half of the season.
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The Toffees sit 19th in the Premier League, level on points with rock-bottom Bournemouth and two points adrift of Wolves. Lampard led the club to safety last season but the prospect of another down-to-the-wire relegation scrap convinced Moshiri and Co. to make a change in the dugout.
"Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months," read a statement confirming Lampard's sacking on Monday. "Frank and his team's commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the Club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game."
