Marcelo Bielsa in London for last-ditch Everton talks
Marcelo Bielsa flew to London on Thursday for crunch talks over replacing Frank Lampard as Everton manager, with the club hopeful of making an appointment by the weekend.
Bielsa, along with Sean Dyche, are the two frontrunners to replace Lampard after he was dismissed on Monday. One of the initial leading candidates, Ralph Hasenhuttl, is understood to not be keen on the post.
Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is pressing ahead with trying to convince ex-Leeds United coach Bielsa to take the Goodison post.
However, the longer Bielsa stalls, the more likely it is that Dyche, out of work since leaving Burnley towards the end of last season, will get the opportunity to save Everton from relegation. Telegraph Sport understands that although the Argentine has agreed to meet with Everton officials, he still requires a lot of convincing over the quality of the current squad and the improvements required. The club hopes to get final clarity over whether or not he will accept their offer.
It is understood Moshiri still wants to explore every avenue with Bielsa before moving on, although he realises time is of the essence to ensure the next coach can work in this transfer window.
Talks have been held with both coaches and Dyche’s enthusiasm for the role - in stark contrast to Bielsa expressing reservations - may persuade Moshiri to reluctantly concede defeat in his pursuit of the South American.
Should Dyche emerge as the preferred candidate, it is likely to be initially as a short-term measure in the hope he can lead the side out of the drop zone. But if he impresses, that could open the way for a long-term contract.
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 arrived as an emergency measure and was not popular among the Everton fans, but he led the side to the comfort of eighth position.
Amid growing fan hostility, 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's, 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.
Both Dyche and Bielsa won promotion to the Premier League with Burnley and Leeds, respectively, although the obvious, immediate priority is to preserve Everton’s Premier League status.
Lampard, after travelling to Merseyside yesterday to say goodbye to players and staff, on Thu night issued a statement on his Instagram account thanking everyone at Goodison for the welcome they had given him.
“Coming in to Everton last year I knew we were in a tough moment and I will always be proud of the incredible work and support from everyone involved to keep the team in the Premier League last season,” he said.
“Thanks to everybody that played their part as the whole club came together. I will never forget the incredible night against [Crystal] Palace that we shared.
“I want to thank all the Evertonians for the welcome that you gave myself, my staff and my family. It truly is a special club with a huge heart and an incredible history. “I’m disappointed that we couldn’t achieve more together and wish all the players and everyone at Everton FC the very best for the future.”
