Everton have suffered another blow in their search for a new manager.

The Toffees are desperate to have a permanent appointment in place within the next few weeks.

But they cannot find a replacement for Marco Silva, with River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo the latest to reject the job.

The Argentine manager has a contract until 2021, and he is not likely to break it.

Gallardo is quoted as saying: "My contract ends in December 2021, there are no release clauses, and I have a very close relationship with Rodolfo [D'Onofrio, club's president] and Enzo [Francescoli, director of football].

"On January 2 I will be here, starting the pre-season with River.

"I do not want to generate more uncertainty and I never doubted my continuity. My year begins here and my desire is to continue. I told the players today in the morning."

Carlo Ancelotti is another target for Everton, but he may be tempted by the vacant Arsenal job instead.