Sean Dyche to be next Everton manager after Marcelo Bielsa rejection

Everton are on the verge of appointing Sean Dyche as manager after last ditch effort to convince Marcelo Bielsa to replace Frank Lampard failed. 

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri spent last night trying to convince ex-Leeds United coach Bielsa to take the Goodison post. But with Bielsa resistant to taking over mid-season, Moshiri will now hold further talks with Dyche.

Telegraph Sport understands Bielsa’s preference was to take the role in the summer, which does open the door to the possibility of Moshiri renewing his efforts to secure the Argentine if Dyche proves a short-term appointment.

The ex-Burnley coach has already made a strong impression in earlier conversations with Everton hierarchy, and confirmation of his appointment is now anticipated over the next 24 hours.

Although he is evidently Moshiri’s second choice,  Dyche – out of work since leaving Burnley towards the end of last season – will get the opportunity to save Everton from relegation.

Dyche’s enthusiasm for the role – in stark contrast to Bielsa expressing reservations from the outset – should be enough to persuade Moshiri he is the right fit for the club’s emergency situation.

Initially, Dyche’s appointment is likely to be regarded as a short-term measure in the hope he can lead the side out of the drop zone. However, if he impresses, that could open the way for a long-term relationship.

Comparisons will be made with Everton appointing Sam Allardyce midway through the 2017-18 season. Allardyce was not the first choice as Moshiri wanted Marco Silva, at that time still at Watford.

Ex-England manager Allardyce was not popular among the Everton fans, but he led the side to the comfort of eighth position.

Moshiri was still forced to replace him that summer by which time Silva was available.

Dyche will be aware of the history, but his personality is not as divisive as Allardyce, who was unpalatable to the Gwladys Street from day one. 

If the 51-year-old oversees a similar level of improvement as occurred under Allardyce five years ago, it is highly unlikely his services would be so readily dispensed with.

Moshiri must also consider the possibility that his next appointment will have to lead the club out of the Championship if they cannot escape the bottom three.

Dyche won promotion to the Premier League, although the obvious, immediate priority is to preserve Everton’s Premier League status.

The new manager could not have had a tougher start as Everton face Premier League leaders Arsenal next weekend, and then travel to Anfield for the Merseyside derby.