Everton’s pursuit of former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa may already be over, with reports suggesting that the Argentinian coach has rejected an offer from the Blues.
Bielsa had been approached by Everton to discuss his willingness to take over at Goodison Park, following the sacking of Frank Lampard yesterday evening.
However, it is now being reported that the 67-year-old has turned down the opportunity to succeed Lampard.
The Rosario-born coach is believed to be the number one choice of owner Farhad Moshiri to take over in the Goodison dugout, so it remains to be seen whether the club will look elsewhere, or make a second attempt at securing Bielsa’s signature.
A well-respected name throughout world football, Bielsa would likely be a popular appointment amongst Everton fans should the club continue in their pursuit.
An extremely popular character at Elland Road, Bielsa secured promotion back to the Premier League in 2020 for Leeds United after a 16-year absence.
Further reports also suggest that Brentford’s Thomas Frank has turned down Everton’s advances, in another blow to the club’s managerial ambitions.
The Danish coach is said to be happy at the Bees and has no interest in the Goodison Park position.
The 49-year-old has done a tremendous job since taking over at Brentford in 2018, establishing the west London club as one of the Premier League’s most consistent sides.
Indeed, Brentford currently sit 8th in in the league table and are well in contention for a European spot.
Everton meanwhile are slumped in 19th and are without a win since the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace last October.
A 2-0 defeat at West Ham United on Saturday sealed Frank Lampard’s fate, though it has been coming for some time, as the Blues face a scrap for survival.
The visit of league leaders Arsenal on February 4th beckons, followed by a trip to Anfield for the Merseyside derby.