Former Burnley manager Sean Dyche is set to be been named as the next Everton boss after the sacking of Frank Lampard.
Dyche has been out of work since his 10-year stint in charge at Turf Moor came to an end last April. However, he will now take charge at Goodison Park in a bid to ensure the Toffees avoid relegation to the Championship.
Former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa held talks with Everton chiefs this week but it is understood he wanted to take the job in the summer, leading to Dyche getting the nod ahead of other candidates. Former Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl and West Brom manager Carlos Corberan were also linked with the post but Dyche was always next in line behind Bielsa.
Dyche, 51, is a big admirer of the club and has been eager to make a return to the Premier League. However, he faces a tough task as the Toffees sit 19th in the Premier League, level on points with rock-bottom Bournemouth and two points adrift of Wolves.
"Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months," read a statement confirming Lampard's sacking on Monday.
"Frank and his team's commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the Club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game."
Will Sean Dyche keep Everton up this season? Have your say in the comments!
Dyche discussed the prospect of his next job back in October and claimed he was "open-minded" about his next role.
“I think I’ve always been open-minded, I’ve never been pressured. I played most of my football outside the Premier League; Championship, Leagues 1 and 2, so I’ve never been that pressured about that,” he told BBC’s Kammy & Ben’s Proper Football Podcast . “I think the idea of the job, what it entails, what club it is.
“I think I’d afford myself a window because I did seven out of eight seasons in the Premier League. So I think I’d at least afford myself a window to see if a Premier League club want to take me and want me to do what they want me to do, or want me to do what they need me to do.
“So, I think I’ve afforded that, just from the years in service. Because there’s not that many British managers who’ve done seven odd seasons, there’s not that many if you look at the history of it.
“It’s fair to say I’ve got a decent bank of knowledge, that I think I could offer something, so therefore, I’ll have a window to wait and see.
“We’ll wait and see, but I think I’ve afforded a window to have a look and see if anyone wants to take me in the Premier League.”