Sean Dyche is the new manager of Everton – and will take up the fight to save them from relegation with immediate effect.
Everton have moved quickly to wrap up a deal for Dyche after failing to convince No 1 choice Marcelo Bielsa to take the job.
Bielsa was the preferred candidate to take the vacancy – Sportsmail revealed on Thursday the Argentine flew into London for talks with the club.
This discussions with the Argentine have been described as positive, but the club feel a quick appointment is necessary and have turned to Dyche.
Despite Bielsa’s arrival yesterday, there was an acknowledgement from Everton that persuading Bielsa would prove tough.
However, the very fact Bielsa has flown into the capital to meet Everton had sparked optimism that a deal was achievable.
Sportmail revealed yesterday Davide Ancelotti – son of former manager Carlo – had been discussed as an alternative.
The 33-year-old coach, who worked under his father at Goodison Park, is currently part of the backroom team at Real Madrid, where Carlo is manager.
Carlos Corberan and Sam Allardyce were also of interest to Everton – but Dyche has won the race to lead Everton.