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

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

The former Leeds United boss emerged as the Toffees’ main target to replace Frank Lampard. who was fired earlier this week after one win from 14 games, and flew to London on Thursday for discussions with the club’s hierarchy.

Everton feared Bielsa would turn down the role fearing the side’s lack of pace in their fight against relegation – with the team dropping to 19th in their turbulent season under Lampard.

And now the Argentine is expected to tell the Everton board – led by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright – that he does not want the role at the moment, preferring to take charge in July.

However, Everton now need someone as they face an uphill battle to avoid slipping into the Championship.

If he takes over in the summer he can have a good pre-season with the players and start all over again rather than putting himself in a difficult situation and risking relegation on his CV.

Bielsa’s teams are known for playing an energetic style – which is why he has reservations about Everton’s squad – which takes hours on the training pitch to successfully implement.

Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche is now in pole position for the job, having also been high on the board’s candidate list.

There is still work to be done to finalize a deal, however, with the 51-year-old looking to sign a long-term contract.

Those who do take the hot seat would also have to deal with the increasingly toxic atmosphere at the club, with fans taking out their anger at Moshiri and the rest of the board in recent weeks.

After a dismal run of results, supporters turned up the sign and staged a sit-in protest after their most recent home game against Southampton.

Ahead of the game, Everton released a statement claiming their board members had been told to stay away from Goodison Park because of ‘fear for their safety’.

This followed reports that the club’s CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale had been cornered by a supporter following Everton’s defeat to Brighton earlier this month, although Merseyside Police confirmed that the alleged incident had not been reported to them.

The rift between the fans and the board has only widened since that afternoon, and the new person in charge would have a difficult job getting the fans back on the side.

There won’t be an easy transition period either, as Everton will host league leaders Arsenal on February 4, before traveling to Anfield to face Liverpool nine days later.

It comes after sacked boss Lampard broke his silence on his departure from Goodison Park, saying he was ‘disappointed we couldn’t achieve more’ when he revealed his pride in running the club.

“When I came to Everton last year I knew we were in 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 as the whole club came together. I will never forget the incredible night against Palace we shared.

“I want to thank all Evertonians for the welcome you have given 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 wish all the players and everyone at Everton FC the very best for the future.”