Marcelo Bielsa REJECTS Everton job with Sean Dyche now in pole position

Marcelo Bielsa has told Everton that he does not want to take over Goodison Park, despite having positive talks with the club. sports mail understands

The former Leeds United boss emerged as the Toffees’ top target to replace Frank Lampard, who was sacked earlier this week following a 14-match win, and traveled to London on Thursday to discuss with the club’s hierarchy.

Everton had already feared Bielsa would turn down the role fearing the team’s lack of pace amid their relegation battle, with the team slipping to 19th in his turbulent season under Lampard.

Marcelo Bielsa has told Everton that he does not want to replace Frank Lampard as manager

Farhad Moshiri is looking to make a speed date with the Toffees in relegation trouble

And now the Argentine is expected to tell Everton’s board, led by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright, that he does not want the job at the moment and would prefer to take office in July.

Taking over in the summer would allow him to have a proper pre-season with the players and start from scratch instead of getting into a sticky situation and risking a drop in CV.

Bielsa’s teams are known for playing with a high-energy style, which is why he has reservations about Everton’s group of players, and there have been some concerns that his playing left his stars exhausted at Leeds.

Bielsa was photographed arriving in London on Thursday in exclusive Sportsmail images

Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche is now in the top position for the role, having also been in contention and on the board’s shortlist.

However, there is still work to be done to secure a deal, as the 51-year-old looks for a longer-term contract.

Whoever takes the hot seat will also have to deal with the increasingly toxic atmosphere at the club, with fans venting their anger on Moshiri and the rest of the board in recent weeks.

Following a dismal run of results, supporters lit the blackboard and planned to hold a sit-in protest after their last home game against Southampton.

Sean Dyche is now on pole position to take the Everton job but wants a longer-term contract.

Before the game, Everton issued a statement stating that members of their board had been told to stay away from Goodison Park due to “fears for their safety”.

This followed reports that the club’s chief executive, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, had been placed in a headlock by a supporter after Everton’s defeat against Brighton earlier this month, although Merseyside Police confirmed that it was not. They were informed of the alleged incident.

The divide between fans and management has only widened since that afternoon, and the new man in charge would have a tough job putting the fans back on the sidelines.

There will be no easy transition period either, with Everton hosting league leaders Arsenal on February 4 before traveling to Anfield to play Liverpool nine days later.

It comes after sacked boss Lampard broke his silence on his departure from Goodison Park, saying he was “disappointed that we couldn’t achieve more”, while revealing his pride in having led the club.

Frank Lampard was sacked by Everton on Monday after a slump of 11 defeats in 14 games.

“Arriving at Everton last year, I knew we were in for a difficult time and I will always be proud of the incredible work and support from everyone involved in keeping the team in the Premier League last season,” he said on social media.

‘Thank you to everyone who played their part when the whole club came together. I will never forget the incredible night against Palace that we shared.

“I want to thank all the people of Everton for the welcome they gave me, my staff and my family. It really is a special club with a big heart and an incredible history.

“I am disappointed that we have not been able to achieve more together and I wish all the players and everyone at Everton FC the best for the future.”