Everton could miss out on their first choice to replace Frank Lampard as manager, as well as their prospective first signing of the January transfer window, with Marcelo Bielsa a doubt for the job and Tottenham stealing their transfer for Arnaut Danjuma.
Bielsa is Everton owner Farhad Moshiri’s preferred candidate and has been tipped for a return to the Premier League 11 months after being sacked by Leeds. However, the 67-year-old needs to be convinced to take over in the midst of a relegation battle. The Argentine coach is understood to have reservations about the state of a club that has sacked six permanent managers in just under seven years.
The good, the bad and the ‘absolute mess’: Lampard sacked as Everton manager – video
Everton have struggled in attack and are looking to improve their options in the final days of the window, but a proposed loan move for Danjuma from Villarreal fell through and the player headed to Spurs.
The Netherlands international underwent a medical at the weekend with a view to joining Everton until the end of the season. Everton had planned to announce his arrival on Monday or Tuesday, but with the move not registered, Spurs stepped in to offer the former Bournemouth man an alternative route back to the Premier League. Danjuma, who has agreed terms with Everton, traveled to London for a medical with Spurs.
Lampard was heavily involved in Danjuma’s move with Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell. Lampard previously saw interest in Danny Ings, Kevin Schade and Georginio Rutter fizzle out after the strikers joined West Ham, Brentford and Leeds respectively.
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Bielsa is not the only candidate being considered by the Everton board. There has been contact with representatives of former Burnley manager Sean Dyche, who is available, and West Bromwich Albion coach Carlos Corberan, who worked with Bielsa at Leeds, is also of interest.
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