Lots of Everton fans have been reacting on social media to reports by the Daily Mail, that Shanghai SIPG Vitor Pereira is the club’s desired Marco Silva successor.
A meeting between majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, Director of Football Marcel Brands, Chairman Bill Kenwright and Chief Executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale was held following Saturday’s 3-1 win at home to Chelsea, where the key board members discussed potential heirs to Silva’s departed Goodison Park hot seat.
The clutch of executives are keen to conclude their search for our next full-time manager, and have deliberated over several options, headed by Pereira and including David Moyes, Mauricio Pochettino, Leonardo Jardim, Eddie Howe, Ralf Rangnick and Carlo Ancelotti.
A move for Pochettino or Ancelotti is seen to have its challenges, while interim boss Duncan Ferguson – who oversaw Saturday’s win – will continue at the helm until a permanent replacement for Silva is appointed.
Beating Chelsea is understood to have bought the board some more time before they must name Silva’s successor, but members of the club’s hierarchy have identified Pereira as their preferred option having begun to step up their search.
Who would you prefer to be Silva's successor?
Pereira
Ragnick
Ancelotti
Ferguson
Pereira impressed club chiefs during discussions about potentially replacing Moyes in 2013, although now making a move for the 51-year-old would face opposition from SIPG, who are keen to retain his services.
The Portuguese, who has previously lifted league titles with FC Porto and Olympiacos, earns around £30million-per-year in China.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to news that Pereira is heading the club’s desired Silva heir shortlist…
Rather keep Ferguson in the role than this wally
— Pete murphy (@ToffeeFella14) December 9, 2019
Moyes and Howe should be nowhere near that list
— richhhhhhy🏴🇦🇺 (@richhhhhhy1) December 8, 2019
This fellas record mirrors Silvas. No way should we be anywhere near him. Have we not learnt?
— Dave Webb #VoteLabour (@davedoubleu57) December 9, 2019
Pochettino rejected us 🤷♂️
— Andrew Vale (@AndyVale27) December 9, 2019
I don’t see Ancelotti or Poch as realistic. Not mid way through a season anyway. I’d rather have Rangnick than the rest but he doesn’t stay anywhere for very long.
Of the other names mentioned, Niko Kovac & Marcelino are the best realistic names I’d say.— Donnie Devious (@DonnieDevious) December 9, 2019
No Rafa 😕
— Kieran D.🌹 (@KieranDams1878) December 8, 2019
Carlo all day long
— Evertony (@anthonyjgetty) December 8, 2019
Baffled we apparently aren’t trying for Marcelino.
— Jimmy Donnoellan (@donemelons) December 9, 2019
If he beats Man United and Arsenal you will be crazy to not give him till end of the season
— Michael (@sekimsports) December 9, 2019
In other Everton news, the club are plotting a deal for a 28-cap international.