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EXCLUSIVE IMAGE: Marcelo Bielsa touches down at Heathrow to step up talks with Everton over Frank Lampard’s replacement, despite concerns over the squad, with Sean Dyche emerging as a strong contender if the Argentinian cannot be persuaded
Marcelo Bielsa flew to London to discuss the vacant Everton manager job on Thursday, but Sean Dyche is shaping up to be a strong contender if the Argentine cannot be persuaded to join.
However, Bielsa is the club’s first choice, and if they were to turn to Dyche, the former Burnley boss would likely have to agree to a short-term deal.
Former Leeds boss Bielsa, who sports mail revealed to be the club’s first-choice candidate, he traveled to London from Brazil ahead of formal discussions with the Toffees.
There is an acknowledgment from Everton that they face an uphill battle to land a deal for Bielsa over the line, due to their reservations about whether the current squad can adapt to his high-energy style.
Marcelo Bielsa has been photographed arriving at Heathrow airport after flying to the UK from Brazil.
Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is in London to speak to Everton’s hierarchy about the vacant manager’s role
However, Bielsa’s arrival in the capital has sparked optimism that a deal may not be out of reach.
It is now up to Everton to persuade Bielsa to replace Lampard, who lost his job on Monday but returned to the club on Thursday to say goodbye to staff and players.
Convincing Bielsa, who is unlikely to agree to a deal anytime soon to compromise the relegation-threatened club, would be a great achievement. He was notoriously demanding in negotiating internal affairs in Leeds.
Bielsa is fiercely loyal to her staff and will likely insist that several of her trusted assistants be part of the package.
The South American earned more than £11m at Elland Road and distributed his staff’s earnings from his own salary.
Everton are looking to replace Frank Lampard after sacking him on Monday following a dismal run of results.
Former Burnley manager Sean Dyche has become a contender if Bielsa cannot be persuaded to move to Everton.
It remains to be seen if Everton are willing to raise Bielsa’s salary at Leeds given his well-documented financial constraints.
The Toffees have explored backup options if they can’t convince Bielsa to take the job.
Sportsmail can reveal that Davide Ancelotti, son of former manager Carlo, has been mooted as an alternative.
The 33-year-old coach, who worked under his father at Goodison Park, is currently part of the back room at Real Madrid, where Carlo is coach.
And Everton are eager to talk to Ancelotti Jr if they cannot sign Bielsa and are preparing a formal approach to the Spanish club.
It remains to be seen if Ancelotti is willing to return to Merseyside.
In any case, his lack of managerial experience may work against Ancelotti given the situation Everton find themselves in, but such an appointment would excite fans.
Davide Ancelotti (right) is another name being discussed by the Everton hierarchy as a potential option.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri (right) was forced to deny reports this week that the Merseyside outfit had been put up for sale.
Dyche is also emerging as a strong candidate behind Bielsa. The former Burnley manager is open to joining and talks have been taking place behind the scenes in recent days.
There was reluctance to name Dyche at the start of the week, but he now looks like a viable option for Bielsa.
Dyche, like Bielsa, would provide Everton with a manager with experience of keeping clubs in the Premier League, giving them an advantage over Ancelotti if the Toffees are unable to secure their first goal.
Carlos Corberan and Sam Allardyce are also of interest to Everton.
Meanwhile, Everton youngster Anthony Gordon has been absent from training for a third day as he tries to leave the club before next week’s transfer deadline.
The England under-21 international has informed the club of his decision to leave this month.
The Toffees missed January’s top target Arnaut Danjuma to Tottenham (left) while Anthony Gordon refuses to train