A former Everton target has left his post as head coach of Brazilian side Corinthians, several months after being interviewed at Goodison Park.
Vitor Pereira was firmly in the running to replace Rafa Benitez back in January and was given more than one interview by Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright as the Blues' top brass searched for a new manager.
The 54-year-old even gave an interview with Sky Sports before an appointment was made, but ultimately the Blues opted for Frank Lampard instead. Portuguese coach Pereira would eventually join Brazilian Serie A side Corinthians instead - but has now left along with his team of backroom staff.
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The ECHO understands the contract Pereira signed ran until the end of the season - and he has opted against an extension.
In a statement Tweeted on Sunday evening, Corinthians said: "Coach Vítor Pereira and his coaching staff will not remain at Corinthians for the 2023 season. The announcement was made this Sunday (13), at Neo Química Arena, by President Duilio Monteiro Alves, after the match against Atlético-MG.
"In 64 games ahead of the team, the coach and his commission have won 27 times, drawn 20 and been overcome in 17 opportunities. In addition to Vítor Pereira, assistants Filipe Almeida, Luís Miguel, Luís Nuno, Bruno Moura and António Ascensão leave Corinthians."
Pereira took the Corinthians job in February after missing out at Everton. But at one point he had been considered favourite to take control of the Blues. He spoke to Sky Sports at the time, revealing that he had received "good feedback" after his interview.
He said: "I had a few interviews - not just one. More than one interview with different people at the club. We discussed everything. I discussed with different people in the club and on the board. I gave them my point of view about the club and what I think about the team, because they asked me to come, Moshiri and Bill Kenwright and other people in the club."
Pereira had twice before had a brush with becoming Everton's manager, missing out to Roberto Martinez in 2013 and Marco Silva in 2018.
He seemed confident of finally landing the job in January, adding: "What I felt from the club, I think they were enthusiastic [about] what I proposed to them: an intensive game, a pressing game, a game with possession. We need to give confidence again to the players and the team. We need to approach the fantastic supporters to the team again.
"This is what I proposed to them and what I felt in the meetings is that they were very positive with the interviews. The feedback from the interviews was good feedback."
*An initial version of this article said Pereira had been 'sacked' - but the ECHO was contracted with further details which suggested he has left the post of his own accord.
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