Everton blow as Vitor Pereira rules himself out of vacant manager's job

Everton have been dealt a blow after Vitor Pereira surprisingly ruled himself out of becoming their new manager.

The Portuguese emerged as Everton’s first choice to replace Marco Silva within a couple of hours of his countryman being sacked last week.

Pereira held talks with the Everton hierarchy and it was hoped that an appointment would be made by the end of this week on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

However the 41 year-old, who has received a counter-offer from his present club Shanghai SIPG, has decided he does not want to take over at Goodison Park.

“It’s always an honour and I am utterly grateful to be considered on a list by a club that I have so much respect for,” Pereira said. “At this point I am still the coach of SIPG, a club close to my heart in a country that is growing immensely in football. Currently I am not in a position to make any other commitments. I cannot decide now, I need time to think and plan my future by looking to all the options I have. It’s a league I love and, yes, for sure, I would consider an opportunity in the future.”

Pereira is still weighing up his options and has been asked to stay at least one more year in China. Shanghai SIPG currently pay him €23 million and want him to stay.

However, it seems his preference is to return to Europe where he has previously won the league in Portugal, twice, and Greece. There has been interest in him from Arsenal.

Everton will continue with Duncan Ferguson in charge for Sunday’s Premier League fixture away to Manchester United as they consider their options. They are closely monitoring the future of Carlo Ancelotti who appears set to leave Napoli and who may also be of interest to Arsenal.

There were also talks last week with Unai Emery following his sacking at Arsenal but there has been no contact with the Spaniard since then and it appears he is unlikely to get the job at present.